Drakkyl
The Drakkyl, also known as Draconians, are a formidable race of humanoid dragons created by Karzoug, the Runelord of Greed. Infused with the essence of dragon eggs and the superior qualities of Azlanti soldiers, the Drakkyl were designed to be elite warriors in the wars against the demon soldiers of Alaznist, the Runelord of Wrath. They are distinguished by their chromatic scales, ranging in colors that reflect their draconic heritage, and their violet Azlanti eyes. With a lifespan rivaling that of dragons, they are a proud and resilient people, driven by a quest for survival and purpose in a world that often views them with suspicion. Despite their combat prowess, the Drakkyl now seek to carve out a life beyond warfare, hoping to find and awaken more of their kind from ancient stasis tombs scattered across the land.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Drakkyl are large humanoid dragons, standing about 7 feet tall. They are bipedal with tails, and some have wings. They possess violet eyes reflecting their Azlanti heritage. Drakkyl come in five chromatic dragon colors: red, white, blue, black, and green.
Biological Traits
- Darkvision: Drakkyl have darkvision, allowing them to see in darkness.
Types of Drakkyl
Red Drakkyl
- Description: Red Drakkyl are the caretakers of life, primarily dragonkind. They are attuned to the element of fire. They have a burning touch that can harm or heal, whichever the Drakkyl chooses.
- Death Throes: Upon death, the Red Drakkyl releases a pulse of flame that consumes itself and nearby targets.
White Drakkyl
- Description: White Drakkyl are attuned with the flowing elements of water. They are able to synchronize with the flow of time and hasten themselves during combat.
- Death Throes: Upon death, the White Drakkyl is engulfed in a cloud of frost, expanding and engulfing those nearby, freezing them solid.
Blue Drakkyl
- Description: Blue Drakkyl are attuned with the elements of air, making them able to teleport and attack multiple opponents seemingly at once.
- Death Throes: Upon death, the Blue Drakkyl’s body glows and discharges a bolt of lightning that jumps between nearby targets, leaving the ashes of the Drakkyl in its wake.
Green Drakkyl
- Description: Green Drakkyl are attuned with the element of earth, making them one with the physical elements around them. They are able to draw the power of the earth into their bodies, increasing their durability for a time.
- Death Throes: Upon death, the Green Drakkyl’s body turns to stone, then explodes, sending cannonball-like debris everywhere.
Black Drakkyl
- Description: Black Drakkyl are connected to the element of void, the destruction and unmaking. They are able to channel the force of the void, emitting a destructive pulse that devastates everything nearby.
- Death Throes: Upon death, the Black Drakkyl’s flesh quickly starts to melt before exploding in a geyser of acid.
Genetics and Reproduction
Drakkyl were created to be weapons. Natural reproduction was not part of their design, as created by Karzoug. He wanted full control of his soldiers, including their population. He created a powerful transmutational ritual to create the drakkyl. Recently, the stone giant wizard Mokmurian obtained this ritual and started creating more Drakkyl, using slaves captured from across Varisia rather than the genetically superior Azlanti. In many ways, the drakkyl produced in this second batch seems equal to the original. However, most were not soldiers and therefore do not possess the strong combative drive that the originals did. Cosmetically, they also do not possess the violet eyes of the originals.
Biological Cycle
Biological Cycle of the Drakkyl
The Drakkyl, being a unique creation blending Azlanti and draconic traits, have a distinct biological cycle that reflects their engineered origins and purpose. Here’s an in-depth look at their lifecycle and the volatile nature of their death:Birth and Growth
Drakkyl are not born naturally but are created through a ritual that infuses Azlanti soldiers with the essence of dragon eggs. This process means new Drakkyl can only come from the awakening of those placed in stasis or through the rediscovery of the ritual. From the moment they awaken, Drakkyl grow rapidly to their full physical maturity, reaching their peak condition in a matter of years. This rapid development is designed to prepare them quickly for their roles as elite warriors.Maturity and Prime
Drakkyl remain in their prime for the majority of their lives, much like dragons. They maintain peak physical and mental condition for hundreds of years, showing minimal signs of aging during this period. Their bodies are highly resilient, and they possess the stamina and strength necessary for their combative lifestyles. Despite their longevity, the volatile nature of their lives means that many Drakkyl do not live long enough to experience natural aging, often falling in battle or due to their hazardous environment.Volatility of Death
The death of a Drakkyl is marked by a significant and often destructive event, known as their death throes. Each type of Drakkyl experiences a different form of death throes based on their elemental affinity.Aging and Legacy
For the few Drakkyl who manage to avoid violent ends, aging is a slow process. They retain their prime for centuries, only showing signs of aging in the last few decades of their life. Even then, they remain formidable, though their physical and magical abilities gradually wane. Due to their finite numbers and inability to reproduce naturally, each Drakkyl's death is a significant loss to their society. They strive to leave behind a legacy, often through mentoring younger Drakkyl, documenting their knowledge, and contributing to the community's survival and growth.Behaviour
Behavior and Psychology
The behavior and psychology of the Drakkyl are deeply influenced by their dual heritage of Azlanti and dragon origins, as well as their creation and purpose as elite soldiers. Here’s a detailed look at their behavioral traits and psychological profile:Behavior
1. Discipline and Duty: Drakkyl are inherently disciplined, a trait ingrained in them from their inception as soldiers. They approach tasks with a sense of duty and precision, whether in battle or everyday activities. This discipline manifests in their meticulous attention to detail and a strong work ethic. 2. Honor and Pride: Honor is a central pillar of Drakkyl behavior. They take great pride in their heritage and abilities, often striving to uphold a personal code of conduct that emphasizes integrity, bravery, and loyalty. Insults to their honor or that of their Flight are taken very seriously and can lead to fierce confrontations. 3. Loyalty and Camaraderie: Drakkyl exhibit deep loyalty to their Flight and fellow Drakkyl. They value camaraderie and often form strong bonds with those they train and fight alongside. This loyalty extends to protecting their kin and ensuring the well-being of their society as a whole. 4. Adaptability: While they are proud and disciplined, Drakkyl are also adaptable. They recognize the need to evolve and learn new skills, especially in a world that is not always welcoming to them. This adaptability allows them to find roles beyond warfare, such as scholars, artisans, and diplomats. 5. Isolation and Nomadism: Due to their small numbers and the reactions of other races, Drakkyl often live a nomadic lifestyle. They are used to being perceived as outsiders and have learned to be self-reliant and cautious when interacting with other societies.Psychology
1. Warrior's Mindset: Drakkyl possess a warrior's mindset, characterized by a readiness for combat and a focus on tactical thinking. They are constantly assessing their surroundings for potential threats and opportunities, which can sometimes make them seem overly cautious or paranoid to others. 2. Search for Purpose: Many Drakkyl grapple with their purpose in life, especially in times of peace. Created for war, they often feel a void when not engaged in conflict. This has led to a cultural shift where they seek to define their worth through other means, such as protecting communities, gathering knowledge, or honing their crafts. 3. Pride and Self-Worth: Drakkyl derive a strong sense of self-worth from their abilities and accomplishments. They are confident, sometimes to the point of arrogance, but this confidence is backed by their extensive training and innate power. They strive to be the best in their chosen fields, whether it be combat or another discipline. 4. Emotional Resilience: The Drakkyl are emotionally resilient, a necessary trait given their violent lifestyle and the losses they have endured. They are able to compartmentalize their emotions and remain focused on their goals, though this can sometimes lead to difficulty in processing grief or trauma. 5. Respect for Tradition: While adaptable, Drakkyl also hold a deep respect for their traditions and history. They honor the legacy of their Azlanti and draconic origins, and this respect for the past influences their decisions and behaviors. They often seek to balance innovation with tradition, ensuring that their cultural heritage is preserved.Interpersonal Interactions
1. Reserved but Respectful: Drakkyl tend to be reserved in their interactions, especially with those outside their Flights. They are respectful but cautious, taking time to assess new individuals before forming deeper connections. 2. Mentorship and Guidance: Within their society, Drakkyl place a high value on mentorship. Experienced Drakkyl often take younger ones under their wing, providing guidance and training. This mentorship fosters a strong sense of community and continuity within their Flights. 3. Conflict Resolution: When conflicts arise, Drakkyl prefer to resolve them through displays of strength and honor rather than prolonged disputes. Duels and combat trials are common methods of settling disagreements, reflecting their martial culture. Overall, the Drakkyl are a complex and multifaceted race, shaped by their origins, experiences, and the ever-changing world around them. Their behavior and psychology reflect a blend of discipline, honor, adaptability, and a constant search for purpose and identity.Civilization and Culture
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Without a war to fight, the Drakkyl went out into the world to fill similar roles—guards, militia waiting for the next war, bodyguards, etc. Some modify themselves to be useful in a time of peace, developing skills based on their physical, mental, and magical talents. Eventually, a need will arise for them to be called back into action. They are a proud people, young compared to other races but hungry for knowledge. Despite the existence of both male and female Drakkyl, they are unable to reproduce naturally. They have long lives rivaling those of their draconic progenitors, but their population numbers are finite. They hope to find the remaining stasis tombs and free more of their people.
History
The Drakkyl were created by Karzoug, the Runelord of Greed, during his war against the Runelord of Wrath, Alaznist. Karzoug allied with dragons and giants, needing smaller, more maneuverable troops to combat Alaznist's demon allies. Using transmutation magic, Karzoug performed a ritual that infused Azlanti soldiers with the essence of dragon eggs, creating the Drakkyl. These humanoid draconians shared the color scheme and abilities of the dragons from which the eggs were taken, coming in red, white, blue, black, and green. They all have the violet eyes of the Azlanti people.
Karzoug found the Drakkyl difficult to control, as they would only obey him. To maintain control, he placed them in stasis until after Earthfall. During the Age of Darkness, a stasis tomb was opened, freeing the Drakkyl inside. Realizing the war was over, the Drakkyl formed their own society and began searching for other stasis tombs to free more of their people. Of the six original tombs, four have been found, with two destroyed and two remaining undiscovered.
Scientific Name
Dragon, Humanoid
Lifespan
600 years or more. Theoretically they could live to 1200 years old.
Average Height
6-8 feet tall
Average Weight
200-350 lbs
Discovered by
