Belthurian Dragons

Content Warning: Violent and suggestive themes

There are many dragonkin in Belthuran but the true dragons of Belthuran are a unique mix of dragon and elemental calling them one or the other isn’t fully correct but not entirely wrong either. They are creatures of the Arcane energies that they help to regulate and generate within the world. They are native to Belthuran and so do not have the same restrictions as outsiders, however, their bodies are able to be shaped, molded, and changed to suit their needs therefore there exist different tiers of dragons. Newly hatched dragons are different from the other races as they do not lack for purpose in the world, they know what their role in the universe is, they also hatch knowing their name and how to speak draconic as well as other memories gathered from their birthsigns.

Physiology

The body of a dragon is powerful, morphable, and reliant entirely on energy, this is often in the form of Arcane energy. Belthurian Dragons do not have any digestive organs beneath the stomach which is itself more like a blast furnace. Anything the Dragon eats is broken down in the stomach, turning the matter into energy that is then transferred into a special muscle above the top of the heart that infuses the blood with magical energy, meaning they lack a lower digestive system. This unique digestion process also provides them with immunity to ingested poisons, from apples to zirconia it is all a source of sustenance for a dragon, that said they do have favored food and tastes that vary depending on the dragon. The Dragons of Belthuran are known to have full use of their forelimbs and digits so it is more accurate to call them hands than paws. Their rear legs are powerful enough to allow them to walk in a manner similar to theropod dinosaurs and this is the normal way for them to move when not in flight or running, on a run they will drop to all fours but that is generally only in combat.
Dragons do not suffer from aging being truly timeless beings but they do advance through the various age categories, these categories instead refer to the power of a dragon and represent the Tiers of dragons, the highest tier being that of the Great Wyrms, these are the rarest and most powerful of dragons who can easily rule over a flight if they so desire. The Ancient category would be the second tier these are exceptionally powerful beings but still have room to grow. The Young Adult category is where all dragons begin when they reach a mature age, after their naming ceremony.
The birthsign, their scale color, and elemental affinity all remain the same despite their ability to change or undergo metamorphosis. These elements of the dragon are core to their being, the Birthsign and Elemental connection are tied to the essence of the dragon and go beyond a physical level into the very soul, the scale color is often a source of pride and sometimes fascination with the dragon, their vanity and ego prevents them from making permanent color changes more often than not. That said they can alter their shape a great deal allowing them to change themselves with varying degrees of success based on their mastery. Likewise, as they evolve by going up the social ladder, they can alter to develop new abilities, or even change gender based on the need of their new caste. As such the dragons do have gender-specific pronouns but do not often use them when talking about other dragons. Such a change is seen as either as part of their growth to a better dragon or a desire that the dragon wishes to experience.
The Dragons are very much alike to their other planar cousins save for a heightened connection to arcane energies, for in their home it is a normal thing but a Belthurian dragon out of their plane would be a massive font of arcane energies constantly empowering magic around them to the point of destabilizing the magic in the area around them by making it more turbulent and difficult to control.
Dragons like the Kobolds and Drazgor lack fine motor control over their lips, while dragons show more in being able to produce a toothy grin that can be used for amusement or intimidation these species rely on more expressive earfins. These earfins combined with body posture, wings, frills, and their tails are how they express emotions. These races also lack eyebrows in the traditional sense, instead, they have a series of smaller ridges along the skull that are not capable of being moved enough for expressive purposes.

Flight and society

During the reign of the Tyrannus of old, there were groups of dragons that came to the side of certain dramatis personae of the dragons, these dragons became the leaders of the flights. A flight is a family unit, a pack, pride, or other such structure of like-minded dragons. The flights have never been limited to scale color and entry into one is based on sharing the ideals as their leadership, though with the birthsigns an outsider might see such as a caste-based system as dragons of the same birthsign tend to congregate together, that is for a more spiritual reason as they feel a connection to others of the same sign that is hard to explain.
To the dragons of Belthuran, there is a deeply held importance to know one's place in the world and they often test themselves to find out where in the society chain they fit. That position is not determined by parentage, or birthright, a son of a flight leader is not inherently better than a ‘common’ dragon's daughter as an example. What matters is strength, not just physical strength but that of mind and character also enter into it as well. This means every dragon must work to maintain their position and seek to ever climb the proverbial ladder to the heights of power and status. Those above you are a challenge to aspire to, a desire to become greater than them. Those below you are threats that are trying to take what is yours so need to be reminded of your dominion over them. Your equals are rivals trying to take your power.
Those of lower status are by the nature of it subservient to their greater, subservient but seeking to usurp to be the stronger one this is not actual ownership or slavery. The rules surrounding the escalation of rank are written in stone and heavily enforced. A proper challenge is issued and the one being issued the challenge determines the type of challenge, the thought being if the challenger is worthy they will best their rival where they have an advantage. To murder another dragon and take their role isn’t acceptable the same as cheating during the challenge. There has only been one case of a murder to advance in position among the dragons. The son of the Tyrannus, Sharvaulus’Dorathen assassinated his father to try and steal the crown, which rejected him outright and led to the fall of the Dragons. This son’s whose name is stricken from records and only appears as the ‘Ashen King’ this event caused the Curse of the Crimson Star. That was an aberration to a system that had never dealt with such a thing before as the dragons, especially now find the murder of a rival to be a coward's way of gaining power, more so since there are so few dragons that all are needed.
The dragons do not hold their kind or respected beings into slavery, they have been known to bind elementals and other forms of outsiders to a purpose if the need is great enough, but never their own. The drazgor, drazgorra, and kobolds likewise are not owned, the general attitude to them varies based on dragons but most dragons understand the value of these beings and will keep them happy. A saying that most dragons are taught as wyrmlings is, ‘Be nice to a kobold and they will be with you through even the darkest of times, be cruel to them and they will abandon you the moment they can, and steal from your hoard’.
Dragons are very prideful creatures who have developed a very particular way to interact with each other, their use of language has shifted from normal draconic into High Draconic which includes a great deal of nonverbal communication both in posture and even eye placement, the most notable is what most would consider bluster,. Extra words to describe something in greater but often unneeded detail, overt flattery, and praise is well received among them. However, it is very easy to insult them in that tongue, and while dealing with most other species they will speak draconic or common. If you know high draconic and speak to one and can pull it off well you will likely impress a dragon of any temperament, try and do poorly and it depends on the personality of the dragon, some kinder ones might offer pointers or chuckle. While those who enter a rage quickly may turn hostile.
While the personalities of dragons are not restricted to certain scale colors there are stereotypes that exist, and they do exist for a reason. It might be wise to be careful around a red dragon for even the good ones are known for being very intense beings and when they do anything they don’t do it by halves, this includes being offended. A good way to at least be heard out with any dragon is to appeal to their vanity and ego for even the calmest, wisest, nicest, and most humble(the bar for this is very low) dragon loves to hear praise on how great they are.
Each dragon egg on the first full moon phase of Kindralth is placed upon a special altar that holds a memory stone as well, generally, these are in important places such as a flight lair or places with meaning to the dragons involved. A beam of light from the crystal moon will shine on the surface of the egg and one of the symbols of the aspects will begin to glow like a constellation on the shell, that sign is considered their birthsign and it is the time when a dragon first gains consciousness. They are given basic memories and understanding of things like language, society, and their connection with magic. These memories are absorbed slowly during the rest of their time in the egg, likewise, they begin to dream of others who have lived with the same sign as them picking up on some of the shared memories the sign gives unlocking abilities within them when they hatch. These symbols will be on them for the rest of their lives, seated generally between the eyes on the top of the skull. The signs indicate a certain natural skill in certain areas but are not telling of what they will do with their life like a caste system would.

Dragon Hybrids

Most offspring of two different scale colored dragons take fully after one parent, however every so often a hybrid comes into being. These are both rare and powerful as they have the strengths of both often having lost the weaknesses of both parents. These hybrids are invariably paragon/prodigy-level dragons destined for something great. The Greyarch of the Greywyrms, Amahra'Shaelaas is such a hybrid of gold and silver dragons. They are often called ‘those of dual essence’ in the common tongue ‘L’ashaloh uh soldraz’. (Many/multiple aspects of the high dragons in high draconic)
Creatures with the half-dragon template, things like a Dracolisk can still exist within the world, however, these creatures are known as ‘Dragon-Touched’, with few exceptions being experiments involving dragon blood. These experiments are not considered half-dragon by the empire and seen as aberrations or foul perversions of their blood. The only form of true half dragon considered by the empire are the Drazgorra, this is expanded on further within the ‘Half Dragons’ section.

Age categories

The dragons of Belthuran go through the same age categories but being timeless creatures, it has a different meaning to them. The age categories of dragons are more measures of a dragon's strength than age, while it is generally true only the very eldest of dragons are qualified as Great Wyrms if a dragon should pursue their own development hard enough and with enough success very young(still quite old by our standards) dragons can attain that level of power, this is exceedingly rare and most that do this are called prodigies or exemplars. In truth, any dragon could do such but the mindset of a timeless being makes procrastination an easy thing for a dragon.
As dragons go through the various categories of age/power it is common for them to develop something to demonstrate it beyond their size, beards, or more impressive crest of horns are typical but some may develop crystalline scales or have arcane marks and glowing energy over their form. While it is rare for a dragon to get too much larger than the normal maximums of their type, it is very possible for them to continue to grow, though at that point they would find it difficult to exist on the prime plane without severely limiting themselves.
It might still be common for an elder dragon to refer to the younger ones as terms like whelp or wyrmling even if they are past that category. This is often done in a sense saying that they are inexperienced and have much to learn.

Chromatic vs Metallic

The usual divisions of Chromatic and Metallic dragons are not present among the Belthurian dragons as they are not mere beasts or outsiders that are manifestations of their nature. A Dragon can run the same personality spans as a human and perhaps even more given their long lifespan and greater minds. A gold dragon could be a vile and cruel monster while a red dragon would find their calling as a defender. Towards each other, there might be some preference to dragons of the same coloring but there is nothing so extreme as to be racism as humans could see different colored skin. That said there do exist certain stereotypes among the dragons though that tend to be more attached to the birthsigns rather than scale color; even if it is a result of the scales it is not all-encompassing. This divide among other dragons from other realms is only really carried over in the hatred the True dragons have for the Vortalon with the True dragons being the Metallics and the Vortalon being the Chromatic.

Gem Dragons

Gem Dragons are draconic equal to the Mist Elves for the Elven races. When a dragon reaches the Great Wyrm age category a dragon typically can grow tired of its current existence, and when they wish to die, they do so. However, there are those dragons who still want to continue to be, these ones have their scales begin to turn to gemstones. Eventually, they are met by another of the same color gemstone their scales turn into, this process can result in any of the gem types and is not reliant on the previous scale color. The dragon says whatever farewells they desire and are taken to a new home for the same charge. On the Overplane these dragons can support a growing power over the arcane, to such a degree they have a hard time remaining on the prime plane. To them, it would be like us trying to catch our breath on a high mountain peak where the air is thin. On the Overplane, arcane energies are so overwhelmingly present they are able to exist and excel as they could only do so there. These dragons are still charged with the defense of the balance; however, they now do so more directly against the outsider planes seeking to harm it.

Imperials

There are only a few Imperial dragons on Savorah, it is suspected there is another land where they are more common but those present either do not know or will not say where it is. Perhaps being exiles from that land. In any case, they are still dragons and accepted by the rest of the Belthurian dragons. Imperial dragons have longer bodies like Eastern dragons.

Half-Dragons and Dragon-Touched

There have never been half-dragons in Belthuran even the drazgorra are only loosely categorized as such. That is not to say it is impossible for them to occur, but the breeding between races is not something that happens. The Dragon-Touched are the most likely reason for something that could be considered Half-dragon to exist, this is usually a result of being around dragons or their magic for an extended period of time. Much in the same way the land and even metals can warp into a lair or Arcgorzen. The process to make a Drazgorra is a closely guarded one, however, in the dark ages, an attempt was made by the Rhyderian Dragon hunters to mimic the art. While initially, they felt it resulted in success it was little more than a brute the size of an ogre and looking more like a lizardfolk than a proper Drazgorra. The patron in this case was a dragoness who was captured and had her blood taken to perform the ritual. This ‘Drazgorra’ viewed the dragoness as his mother and when her death at the hunter’s hands occurred it resulted in madness; he went wild. Filled with seething rage he broke free and killed everyone in his path taking the mother's remains with him to guard them. While the failed drazgorra was not aware of it, that was the strong sense of loyalty and duty that the drazgorra have taking control and he defended her remains until a Grey Wyrm, the to be the leader of the Grey Wyrms found them and released the spirit into the cycle.
The process the dragons use is proven and effective, it is also highly secret only done in areas shielded from divination and secure from spies. They produce fully functional drazgorra. Should a drazgorra somehow come to be in existence among the other races and somehow go unknown by the empire they would have the ingrained knowledge of the dragons through a birth sign as well as what they expect from society. This, however, would put them at odds with the place they live in, plagued by being an outcast, and what they know is right in their soul, and being told that is wrong could serve to break the being until their true home in the empire is found.

Grey Wyrms and the Cycle

“As a candle wards away the dark it also guides things from the dark to it. Within the ether your inner flame is visible. Keep it as a candle and those that come to you will be calmer. The Arcane and Ether grant power to shape but are also shaped by those it empowers, with your flame in chaos it burns bright and those who come to you have their passions ignited which inflames their lingering emotions and perverts them into wraiths.”
The Grey Wyrm order was once charged with the funeral rites of all dragons, how they knew when a dragon’s time was up was never known but when they came to the home all knew what it meant. While a somber time the family of the dying dragon came to celebrate and the memory stone of their flight called up their ancestors. Their life is sung and all enjoy their time together one last time. The Grey Wyrms would then fly with, or if need be carry the departing dragon to a graveyard of their ancestors and lay them to rest with honor and dignity, where their remains would never be ground to dust or decorate someone's home. The funeral rites are only barely known, but it involves the departing dragon consuming a portion of their hoard (or all if they desire) then their family and friends arrive with gifts for the departed arranged as a dais or bed for them to rest on. The final farewells are said as the dragon closes their eyes for the last time.
The Graveyards of the Grey Wyrm’s are beyond sacred to all dragons, and even the thought to disturb the hoards left by their relatives no matter how large is appalling to any dragon. While no one knows where the dragons go after their life has ended, it is known that eventually, their bones will vanish from the graveyard. The bones do not erode and decompose as another’s might when their body is gone they have been reborn to a new life. Others say that when you are marked at the laying of your egg it is the calling of your soul to a new body. The Grey Wyrm’s do not agree and say that each new being is just that, while the souls are old and in constant renewal, they are not the same being. Whether either is true is not known. What is known for certain is they are places of extreme magical flux, the final resting places for so many dragons allows the ties between the planes to be weak, elementals stalk those ground often, never harming the bones. Outside the entrance to every Graveyard are two gem dragons, once living gem dragons who went to their final sleep and left their bodies to the spirits of the guardians. Some dragons choose to remain as ghosts and can take those loaned bodies to defend their charges final rest, elder spirits in the bodies of great wyrm gem dragons that will not tire or die with hosts of elementals as backup never have one of their graveyards been violated.
The Grey Wyrm’s order enjoys such a respect for their duty to the cycle of the dragon’s that no matter to which flight they were born, no matter how bitter the enemies their flights may be. A Grey Wyrm can walk into the center of another Flight’s lair without fear of harm. It is said they had a keep somewhere that bridges between the material and ethereal planes but none outside their order are ever allowed to know where. Much like the empire, in general, the Grey Wyrms are rebuilding made a named flight as well. Grey Wyrms for a time was not being reborn, but with the rise of the Greyarch flight-sister to the Tyrannus their rebirth has begun again and a new generation of those given the sign of the Ouroboros is learning of their task. It should be noted that this is the only time that a birthsign dictates what you become without fail.
It should be known that even hated enemies are loathed to allow the remains of a dragon to fall into the hands of other beings. Should an allied dragon die, or the remains of a dead dragon be being desecrated the living dragons will more often than not fly into a frenzy to defend the fallen. This is very much like a mother bear protecting her cubs and they will fight all the harder to defend the fallen until they can be laid to rest properly.

Dragons and weapons

Dragons in Belthuran are fully capable of wielding forged weapons and armor. Two major issues come into play that prevents widespread use; cost and weight. The vast materials to construct such titanic arms and armor are seldom seen as worth it for the loss of mobility in flight which itself provides effective armor of sorts. This is of course in regard to mundane equipment. The cost of Dragon-made arms and armor by one skilled in the ancient art is steep but comes enchanted and crafted to maintain mobility and reduce weight as well as other boons. Such artificers are beyond rare but their work on a skilled dragon combatant is a true terror even worse if the armor was tailored specifically for them.
Dragons can wear armor as barding, but unless they possess another way to overcome this limitation, heavy and medium armor prevents flight, unless made from Mithral or Arcgorzen. As mentioned before most dragons won't use armor but the benefits of properly made armor are many. The cost and time to make them would require most of their staff and resources to do, so it is often not a viable thing.
Dragons normally prefer to use their own weapons so manufactured weapons are rare. This does not mean they are without choices, many weapons exist to allow enchantments onto their existing weapons, often a suit of dragon armor has additions to the claws, wings, and mouth that can bear enchantments to augment their attacks. Likewise, their tails can be adorned with a largely scaled-up version of Kobold tail attachments, which they are considered trained in.

Memory stone

It is a gem the size of an apple that contains the lore of the dragons, handed from keeper to keeper. The eggs of dragons represent a new future, the stone is to give them a past to stand on. This stone is no normal gem, it is fully immune to any dragon’s digestion process as well as their breath weapons and physical attacks, and can even be melded into the scales and hide to protect it from those not meant to have it.
The memory stone is more than just a library though. Within the gems are mental copies of every dragon that has touched the stone before. On the night known as the renewal, the first day of spring the keeper summons forth these memories of long-dead friends and family. They look at their family and speak as they would as if still alive. It is both a happy and sad event, it may be nice to know your grandsire is still around somehow, you know they are not.
Keepers are able to access these stones to commune with another of the past to learn from them or simply learn the knowledge, though they prefer the first option as they feel knowledge should be earned so you understand its consequences.

Personality

The Dragons of Belthuran are every bit as varied in personality as any race can be. However, there are certain trends that they have. For example, they just do not understand the concept of modesty or jealousy. Greed, however, can more than make up for the lack of jealousy, if another dragon gets something they wanted they will feel compelled to try and one up that achievement, accolade, or acquisition.
Forming a friendship with a dragon is a difficult thing for many races, more so the short-lived races as the dragons wish to shield themselves from watching a friend grow old and die in what is for a Dragon a short time. However, if you do become friends with one they are very loyal and can be relied on in even the most desperate of times.
Among humans an accepted social practice of going out and get drunk at some tavern and or a brothel, in a sense choosing to take their physical pleasure from strangers. Dragons are more prone to spending their time more intimately with close friends, going off this Dragons also have an accepting view of same-sex relationships because they feel the weight of ages will eventually cause the Dragon to try the opposite. This goes to the point of words that imply such are not negative, just as neutral as the more normally accepted pairings. Dragons look down on pairings with other races though, something of a taboo if nothing else.

Items made from Dragons

This is a very taboo subject in the world, as dragons have very recently (in their minds) had to experience their bones, teeth, and claws being used to kill other dragons. Dragonbone, tooth, or claw constructions of any kind are considered illegal, to be rounded up and given to the dragons so they can properly bury their dead. However these items are generally very potent magically and the more nefarious elements are less inclined to do so, even if it risks the wrath of dragons should it become known.
However, Dragonscale armor, shields, or other constructions are not so strictly forbidden. Should the scales be from a dead dragon the same restrictions apply, these scales tend to have more of the color from the dragon. Dragons are known to offer different payments for what is done for them, the standard of coin or valuable gems, in truly important things the promise of a favor, and most importantly for this; shed dragon scales. These shed scales have lost most of their original coloring but none of their potency. Those who are paid in such often treasure them but some turn them into armor and paint them to accent the faded colors. If you wear such it generally signifies a close relationship with the dragons, and that your skills are truly impressive to be called upon by them.

What would the Tyrannus Do?

The Tyrannus is a very powerful being and could in many cases simply solve problems with a wave of the hand. However, that very power is also a cage of sorts. When you wield such power there is no walking softly, as those soft steps can still create earthquakes. The power of the crown is so much that every action must be heavily considered, and the consequences thought about. The Tyrannus will never use the crown as a reaction to something, only after careful thought will they invoke its power. Their own power can be used at their normal discretion but for world-threatening events that would require the power of the crown, this is not done lightly. Likewise, the Tyrannus is the steward of the world charged with keeping it in balance, to that end, they like to make sure the other races can pull their weight in such efforts. In short, they prefer to let others solve their own problems. Only one Tyrannus has ever had the powers of foresight, it is not a common gift and even the crown does not provide such a thing.
To sum it up, the power of the Tyrannus is only used in extreme circumstances, and they always act last. The Tyrannus is very serious about their role and if someone came seeking their help the Tyrannus might offer another solution but won’t do it for them, perhaps warning them that the act of their interference would cause another problem, perhaps less threatening, perhaps more. This attitude often angers the younger races, generally, only the elders of the Elves agree with the stance; even some dragons have been known to become angered by it.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Belthurian Dragons are ageless, they grow by gaining more power and standing within their society. They can be killed through normal means, they are just very difficult to kill.
A dragon can continue to grow but the most common height for a powerful dragon is 30 feet at the shoulder, 120 from nose to tail tip, with similar wingspan and are 10-20 feet wide depending on the dragon. Different traits will manifest in the dragons based on their birthsign and the avenues they wish to pursue, those not familiar with dragons will have a hard time determining a male from a female dragon to the layperson they look comparable both reach large sizes, have impressive horn crests, fins, and other features that mark them as dragons. Their society has no stigma between males or females and some dragons even change gender as they advance in rank. Belthurian Dragons walk on their hindlegs resembling a theropod, their tails aiding them in balance, they sit and run on all fours though.

Growth Rate & Stages

Once a Belthurian dragon reaches adulthood their growth rate is dependant more on their strength and their rank growing to fill the station they are and to try and achieve a higher one. This process follows the existing age categories for dragons.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Belthurian Dragons are capable of eating any kind of matter they desire, their stomachs break down matter into energy allowing them to eat anything they want. They do still prefer the taste of meat, fish, and or gems as normal for dragons of their color.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The Draz Tyran uses a form of meritocracy where strength is valued most, this strength is not just of the body, but mind, body, and character must all be strong to advance. Acts that benefit the empire also aid to further the reputation of the dragon, which is very important to them, as they are very egotistical creatures. You dominate those under you, and are dominated by those above you, such is the way of things in the Draz Tyran, and they all, for the most part, seek to be the one to dominate.
The point of the whole process is designed around the premise that only fully rounded dragons who see beyond whatever gifts they have over others are worthy of advancing to a place of power. A dragon hatched with thicker scales or more strength than others is not uncommon even those who rely heavily on magic must understand the lesson. The entire system is meant to show that a dragon can only make it so far using just one form of strength, they need to have the strength of body, character, magic, and mind to be worthy of the higher echelons of their society all to prevent the foolish tyrant from coming to power. This is where the so-called 'Breakers' come in, dragons who managed to reach the top of their tier but for whatever reason were content to remain in that position. They are powerful and serve as effective blocks against those born naturally talented trying to brute force their way up the meritocracy.
For the most part only, dragons are held to this scale, however, Drazgor and Drazgorra have something like this as well, ranking themselves based on accomplishments and prowess in battle, a much more watered-down version.

Facial characteristics

Some dragons possess barbels akin to a catfish, though more flexible forming into a faux beard, far more common are earfins, ridges, and small spines before the crest of horns. Each dragon has a unique set of horns and their facial features are unique as well, no two dragons will have the same arrangement of spines or fins.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Dragons can live anywhere on Belthuran, currently, most are isolating in Mordereth or Xalandis, but they do have homes elsewhere from the sea to the highest peaks and everything between.

Average Intelligence

Belthurian dragons are highly intelligent creatures, between their own impressive mental powers and the birthsigns giving them extra knowledge it is not uncommon for these dragons to have genius-level intellects, which leads to a know it all attitude, made worse because they often do.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Belthurian dragons like all dragons have acute senses of smell, sight, and hearing. Dragons possess a ‘third eye’ it does not have a physical manifestation although some dragons do wear jewelry to represent it between and above their eyes. This third eye allows them to sense magic around them. Feel it, taste it, and see it. They are the only beings able to see another's Terrorgheist/Muldraz without peculiar circumstances. They have Arcane Sense up to 100ft and know all spells being cast, and are aware of a spell being cast even if Still spell is used, they don’t know which spell with this sight but can identify it as normal.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Xolnite Kobolds form a symbiotic relationship with the Belthuran Dragons, perhaps more so than he Drazgor and Drazgorra, the kobolds were uplifted by the dragons and taught magic and given protection, in turn, the kobolds aid the dragons on tasks they have a hard time with, usually those requiring entering small spaces.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Naming Structure Dragons are given a name upon hatching chosen by the parents usually through some combination of their chosen names. Once a Dragon reaches adulthood, they perform a ceremony where they place thier heads into a font of arcane energy representing their element (fire, ice, acid, lightning etc.) From in there they hear whispered names, but one comes forth to them, this is their chosen name. There are many theories on the names they hear, some believe that they are listening to the Ethereal plane a place where time holds no meaning and they are hearing the name of all the lives that were and will be for the soul of the dragon until they hear the name that fits their current life. An adult dragon name is Chosen name’Given name, for example Narrolth(chosen)’T’Saren(given) or Khorvus(chosen)’Malnoir(Given).

Major Organizations

Draz Tyran, the Dragon Empire Greywyrms the guardians of the cycle of death and rebirth. Then the various flights centered around the leader of said flight. (Flight is a gathering of like-minded dragons, think of them more like noble houses)

Beauty Ideals

immaculately cared for scales, gem inlays, gold patterning, or another form of tattoo sealed in with some form of oil or wax to keep the scales shiny. Horns, fins, wings, talons, and teeth all kept in good order able to be presented. Jewelry is a common accessory among the dragons, often in the form of bangles on the horns or large rings on the fingers. (They view their forelimbs as arms and hands, despite running on them)

Gender Ideals

Female and Male share the same ideals, gender is a non-issue to the dragons.

Courtship Ideals

The dragons tend to be, rough in all things. Courtship included as the potential mate must prove their worth. This is often done as a feat of strength, a feat of skill, a feat of wit, and finally combat with the potential mate.
The feat of strength is done by slaying a large and dangerous creature that is to be the meal for the mate. The feat of skill is in the creation of something for the mate, a statue, jewelry, or poetry. The form is chosen by the, one seeking the courtship. Often male but sometimes female. The feat of wit is often a sort of verbal debate, they have to show that they are knowledgeable and capable of speechcraft.
The combat that follows is brutal and both sides are expected to give it their all, in some ways it determines the dynamic of the relationship with one being the more dominant of the two. Some dragons will choose to end this combat in a draw, either by both lowering their wings to the ground at the start of the battle, or simply being unable to overpower the other.
The length of the mateship is up to the dragons, there is no real form of marriage, the dragons don't understand the concept of monogamy. You choose a mate to breed with because you wish to mingle the bloodlines, you still have other consorts and friends to still have intimate company. Many of the other races find these practices offensive, to the dragons to live any other way is to deny their nature. Having no concept of modesty or monogamy they tend to be rather, indulgent and passionate.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

High Draconic is a dialect of Draconic, it is nearly impossible for non-dragons to master, kobolds and drazgor(ra) have a difficult time with it and they are physically capable of parts of dialect. To truly speak in high draconic everything matters, the position of earfins, the way you stand, vocalizations below what humans can hear, and of course how well you can speak. Many would find the actual words spoken to be very roundabout to an almost pointless degree. A blue ball would become something like 'A singular sphere of sky/ocean hue.' With extras about size or texture as needed. Intent and mood are determined by the earfins moving and posture, it is considered very rude to try and speak High Draconic to a dragon without some way to convey such things as they do.

Common Etiquette Rules

Overwhelming praise and flattery are expected when greeting a superior to you, they, of course, expect this of non-dragons who meet them, they view such things as respectful and of course, it fuels their ego which they always enjoy. Bowing, offering gifts, and other displays are considered in good taste.
Absolutely, never, no not even then, do you turn your back on a dragon. When you are dismissed from their presence you give a bow of some fashion, a thank you for their time, and you back out. Their audience chambers are designed in such a way that there is nothing to get in the way of something backing out. This also means there is nothing to protect you from their breath attack should you offend them. Only once the door or curtain is shut blocking their sight to you can you turn around.

Common Dress Code

Dragons do not wear clothes, some wear jewelry but for other races, they do appreciate someone well dressed. This of course varies from dragon to dragon and on species to species as they all have different tastes, and are not afraid to share them. Some dragons might prefer bright colors and long flowing robes or dresses on their visitors. Some prefer their guests to arrive naked or adorned only in jewelry. The naked ones usually do so because they want to be certain no one is hiding a weapon on them, it is a sign of the dragon not trusting you, if you accept this and make your introduction to their satisfaction they will have their staff bring you an outfit in a design they enjoy for you to wear, they understand the other races often do not do well exposing themselves but they satisfied the dragon's desire so they are willing to allow the guest something to wear, which is invariably exceptionally well made and would cost a fortune anywhere else, a further show of their status and power.

Common Taboos

Killing another Belthurian dragon is one of the largest Taboos, even more so now in their efforts to rebuild their empire. Even beforehand the first murder the dragons had to deal with was the assassination of a Tyrannus. Deaths during duels have occurred, but they are viewed differently. A dragon who does not submit to their better at the end of a challenge of position is choosing the risk of death at the hands of the victor, it usually means they can't stand the idea of being under the other dragon.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

The Belthurian Dragons look at most other species as simply being younger than them. They are, but it does little to endear them to the other species. They have fond relations with the kobolds and drazgor(ra) but the other races tend to be more like an adult looking at unruly children.

Belthurian dragons do not have the normal breaking up between Chromatic and Metallic but do keep the colors and abilities based on the scale color. For Belthurian Dragons that are not of the Paragon status first find where the ideal spot for the Dragon should in the social ladder. The ladder is unofficially divided into tiers that work for this purpose. Then you use the Base statistics of size, hit dice, natural armor, CR, and attributes. Breath weapons and speeds are determined by the color of the dragon as normal.
As a dragon seeks to advance through the ladder of their society they will have to challenge their peers and grow stronger each tier has at least two types of dragon base stats to use for the dragon. Unique characteristics to that dragon, their element type, and spell selections stay the same but advance in power or open up new options based on this upgrade. Once they have gone through the needed metamorphosis and gained enough reputation and power they can challenge what are effectively gatekeepers dragons who have chosen to remain in their position despite being strong enough to progress to the next tier. Only by defeating one of these dragons can they advance to the next tier.
When a dragon manages to defeat a dragon of a higher tier they are then elevated to that tier and gain the difference in stats from where they started. So should a white dragon manage to defeat a tier 2 dragon(unlikely but possible) they would have their base stats moved to the same as if they started in tier 2.
Tier 1: Ancient and Great Wyrm These are the flight leaders, the strongest dragons of the world, the Tyrannus has always been from this tier. Red -> Silver -> Gold

Tier 2: Adult These are perhaps the most ambitious still, they have reached a higher than the average position and now have the taste for power and domination and want more. These would be the nobles or upper class of other societies. Copper -> Bronze -> Blue

Tier 3: Young While it is hard to imagine dragons as commoners these ones generally fill the role, within the social ladder they are rated as the middle, often never able to escape this tier they are the middle class. Brass -> Green

Tier 4: Wyrmling These are the weakest, the ones who will have to struggle the hardest to advance. Many even come to like their low status, they are still dragons but are the bottom of the social ladder. White -> Black

Genetic Descendants

• Vortalon

Conservation Status

The Belthurian Dragons are for the most part isolating themselves in Mordereth or Xalandis as they continue to repopulate their species.

Average Height

20-30ft at shoulder

Average Weight

The largest can weigh several tons or more, 8 tons being fairly common

Average Length

80-120 feet from nose to tail.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Belthurian dragons can run the color gambit, though most fall into the Metallic and or Chromatic colorations of Dragons.

Related Organizations

• Grey Wyrms