The world of Draconia is composed of several types of magic: divine, natural, elemental, arcane, chaotic and so on. The manipulation of these different categories creates friction within the flow of the energy required to cast spells or create minor effects. More potent spells require more effort to form their effects, which causes more of this friction to compile. Normally, this buildup of energy disperses into the environment without any sort of reaction. But after the events of the War of Creation and the dragons subsequent takeover of world order, this has not been the case.
Dragonkind, particularly true dragons, create a significantly greater amount of this magical friction both in part due to their body mass requiring more effort to cast spells and their naturally strong ties to magic that amplify their innate potency. With the population of dragons being higher than it has ever been before, the buildup of energy can no longer safely dissipate. It grows and grows until it can no longer be contained, at which point it becomes a violent outburst of magical energy the likes of which no person besides a god could muster alone. These explosive events are known as Draconic Bursts and they serve as one of the most sought-after phenomena in Draconia.
How They Happen
As spells are cast, the energy that dictates what form it takes, the kinetic energy from the caster's strain of conjuration, any elemental energy that focuses into the spell and other assorted energies are all channeled into the spell from the caster to manifest its power. This energy doesn't immediately fade into the nether to be reutilized. It lingers in the atmosphere and world surface. This energy will slowly return to the nether of magic over the course of years, but if it reaches a certain point of buildup, it has no other option except to detonate outward into the physical world as a representation of all the magic that has provided the fuel.
The bursts occur every couple of years when this point of explosiveness has been reached.
What They Look Like
Because the energy is most often stored in the atmosphere or the
surface the bursts that follow will take place relative to those locations where the density of magical energy is highest. The energies break forward into reality as miniature spells, mimicking minor spells like fire bolts, lights and fake hands. Small displays turn to larger very quickly, as more powerful spells start to leak from the energy, coursing through the sky before rupturing into elaborate displays of prismatic lights.
The arrays grow in size as the event continues on, a result of the thicker magical energies finally being set free. Once the reservoir begins to deplete, that is when the real show starts. The thickest amounts of energy will be let loose, culminating in the display of prismatic dragon arrays, constellations and other mythical creatures of Draconia.
Dangers
Draconic bursts are relatively harmless. Though the magical energies are capable of harming people because of the volatile nature of the display, their locations make it nearly impossible to interact with them except on a visual level.
Rare cases of bursts manifesting in populated settlements have happened, however, with devastating results. Should this happen, promptly evacuate or begin anti-magic procedures if spellcasters are present.
What They Symbolize
Burst serve many purposes when they happen, particularly a unification of lesser and superior races. The light shows bring people together in ways that do not normally present themselves. While a majority of the dragonkind population revel at any chance to demean their coinhabitants, they instead welcome the very same people with open arms to come and celebrate during the fantastical display of magic. They sit amongst one another, clanking ale mugs, chanting shanties, sharing stories; behaving with the respect of one another at the forefront of their minds. For the lesser races of man, this is why they look forward to any instance of a burst. They present a chance for them to feel on equal footing with the races of dragonkind, even if it is only for a brief moment before the status quo returns.
For the races of dragonkind, the bursts represent manifestations of their power in a unique manner. While they would normally boast about this, declaring that they are the pinnacle of creation or that their powers create such beautiful exhibits, they proudly proclaim that the bursts are for all to enjoy. Their energy is so often spent on casting spells to benefit themselves, either by violence or creation that they never have a moment to bask in the pure enjoyment of magic that presents itself with every burst to be realized. It gives them the shortest chance to retain some sense of childhood wonder, when everything was new and without the taint of age and adulthood.
Unifying Fate
A unique and taboo ritual can occur under the magical energies of a burst. When a true dragon that has created their own
Dragonfruit feeds said fruit to a lesser race, their lives become intertwined. The addictive effects that would typically be imposed upon the non-dragon never materialize, leaving them malady-free while granting them a portion of that dragon's power. This ritual, often viewed as one of romantic love, can actually be done out of platonic love, friendship or familial love.
The dragon and their chosen person will always feel one another, regardless of location. This effect even spreads beyond the realm of death, as the live partner gains the ability to communicate with their deceased person. Their fates become irrevocably connected, in a beautiful act of devotion.
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