Guardianis Dragons

In spite of being termed or thought of as "animals" by haka'a'manem who know nothing about them and have never actually encountered one, those who have interaction with dragons (unless they are bigoted idiots) recognize dragons as a haka'a'manem (a people) and acknowledge both their sentience and their sovereignty. Dragons primarily reside in and around the Dragon Mountains, of which there are three ranges: The Dragon's Eye, the Dragons Teeth, and the Dragon Spine.
Worldfire in their firelines is as necessary to their life as blood in their veins. They are fueled by it, sustained by it and empowered by it.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Four-limbed and winged with a long tail. Something of a cross between a horse and a reptile, in that they are scaled and clawed with a solid, lizard-like tail and have a head which is horse-like, though a bit more flat and broad, as well as the more graceful sculpting of a horse in the length and shape of limb, though the limbs are thicker and more muscled than a horse's. Instead of a mane of hair like a horse, they have a sort of flexible double mohawk, webbed crest. This crest assists in aerodynamics and maneuverability and can also be quite emotionally expressive, along with their ears, which are horse-like in shape and scaled. Dragons can breathe fire, but not without some preparation--the gathering of excess Worldfire energy which they can expel physically as fire from their mouths or as a tangible beam of light (not quite as potent as a laser) from their gem-like eyes. With practice, they can even learn to make themselves glow, which is handy when traveling at night with their 'Tzamokimae or other "naked uprights," but is otherwise simply an exercise assigned to teach control and focus. The Youngest and Juveniles may have glowing competitions with each other for the brightest, longest sustained, most colorful and so forth. Unintentional excess accumulation of Worldfire can give them gas. Trust me, if that happens, pray you are in a well ventilated area (like an open prairie). This generally only happens to Youngest and Juvenile dragons who do not have a good sense of their limitations and resting capacity for Worldfire. It can also occur if the dragon experiences a sudden growth spurt which can result in an unexpected influx of Worldfire.
They are never as large as most haka'a'manem would imagine them, being about 8 feet at the shoulder, and a bit broader in the chest and bulkier proportionately than a horse. The idea that they are much larger among those who have actually seen them comes from their ability to project an almost physically manifest astral form to make themselves appear too formidable to even consider attacking.

Genetics and Reproduction

Dragons hatch from shells which transform into a special kind of gemstone called Saur'Lapis as they harden. The color of Saur'Lapis is determined by the color of the dragon. Saur'Lapis is also called Celestial Currency">

Additional Information

Social Structure

There are two categories of dragons: Natural and Bonded Both Natural and Bonded dragons' social structure is based on character as well as biological growth. The color of the dragon does not denote rank or power level, that is more a function of age. A 100-'Rounded Gold dragon will defer to a 300-'Rounded Purple dragon who will defer to a 350-'Rounded Green dragon and so on. The stages of a Natural dragon's life are Youngest, Juvenile, Mature, and Matriarch/Patriarch/Erythriarch. The first two stages are literally grown out of, the final two stages are reached through achievement as well as biology. Ostensibly one could be Juvenile-Mature if one's intellect and skills were sufficiently advanced, but that rarely happens since most dragons are very sensible, as well as humble and community minded, and so not inclined to show off. While the majority of Natural dragons choose to mate and have offspring, it is not required. Rising no higher than the Mature stage is not a stigma, but dragons with a brood to tend may be accorded more support and attention. There are also dragons who choose a solitary life, but they never loose the sense that they are a part of the dragon community and return to stand with their community in time of need or celebration. It is not unheard of for a Natural dragon to progress as far as Matriarch/Patriarch/Erythriarch and then choose to Bond. In this case, they would start at Youngest-Bonded and proceed through the stages again. This process will probably be considerably shorter since they have already learned the ins and outs of being dragon and need only learn how to navigate the symbiotic relationship of the Bonded. The stages of a Bonded dragon's life are Youngest, Youngest-Bonded, Juvenile-Bonded, Mature-Bonded, High-Bonded or Matriarch/Patriarch/Erythriarch-Bonded, and Sovereign. High-Bonded and Matriarch/Patriarch/Erythriarch-Bonded are the same level of development. The designation of High-Bonded was created in recognition of the fact that having one's own brood in addition to a 'Tzamokimae may not be feasible depending on the constraints of the relationship, but they are accorded the same added support and attention as if they did have their own brood, particularly if their 'Tzamokimae has a family. Dragons do not consider their 'Tzamokimae children (except while they are actually chronologically children), but they recognize that they as a species are more fragile than dragons and feel an added responsibility toward them. Dragons become Sovereign only after passing through all life stages and having successfully been a Matriarch/Patriarch/Erythriarch-Bonded of eight clutches. Rank among Sovereigns is not a matter of age, but of seniority based on how long the dragon has been Sovereign. A dragon’s progression is a combination of self-actualization and recognition by a Sovereign Council, utilizing tests and trials/rites of passage to determine life-proficiency. For the Bonded, this would involve their 'Tzamokimae as well and includes tests specifically related to how well the BondMates work together.

Domestication

Don't even think about it. Dragons are just as sentient, independent and sovereign as you are, bub.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

No one uses or exploits dragons. Remember you are crunchy and taste good with sovaelik sauce, just sayin'. However, Saur'Lapis, hatched dragons' shells, could technically be considered a byproduct.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

In addition to keen eyesight and hearing, dragons have a variety of extrasensory capabilities, such as: 360 degree awareness of their surroundings through their scales in what amounts essentially to an energetic form of echolocation. When in open areas (clear sky, for example), this awareness can extend up to 444 feet in all directions with intent, but idles, as it were, around 220-240. Or up until it reaches a large obstruction such as the ground, a grove of trees, a building and so forth. Well practiced Bonded dragons can, with their 'Tzamokimae's help, extend this to about 840 feet. In rare cases the dragon and their Kovelak'Tzamokimae can extend this sense through obstructions of organic materials (except stone.) Sovereigns can achieve 1600 feet even through organic material (including stone) with sufficient Worldfire reserve. While this is phenomenally useful, the longer distances and sensing through obstacles is also phenomenally taxing physically, energetically, mentally and sometimes emotionally depending on what one is sensing through--sensing through living or dead beings is possible, but can be traumatizing, both for the one being passed through and the one doing the sensing. Mind to mind communication, including projection of colors, images and sound. Dragons can communicate mind to mind with other dragons, their 'Tzamokimae and other living creatures. It is easiest with fellow dragons, since no adjustment to their Speech needs to be made. Communication mind to mind with all other creatures, even their 'Tzamokimae, is more difficult because DragonSpeech is multilayered, impacting all five physical senses, as well as energetic ones. Dragonkin (birds, lizards and felines) are the only other species that can handle all layers at once, but only after initial rapport is established. 'Tzamokimae can usually only handle two or three layers at a time and even then, the dragon must be careful to modulate "volume" in order not to overwhelm the 'Tzamokimae's senses. Astral projection. While dragons can project an almost physically manifest astral form within their line of sight and most easily around themselves, once they are Bonded the range of astral manifestation is expanded to include the 'Tzamokimae's line of sight as well. If the 'Tzamokimae is at the edge of the dragon's line of sight, then the range is the combined expanse of their lines of sight. If the 'Tzamokimae is elsewhere, but within communication distance, the 'Tzamokimae can manifest the dragon's astral form within their own line of sight regardless of the physical distance or terrain between them. The range can be further enhanced through magical items, such as far-seeing windows, (a specially crafted window which acts as a telescope with the full breadth of vision as a window rather than the narrow scope of an actual telescope. Dragons can also potentially expand their line of sight by looking through the eyes of Dragonkin, even at a distance. Dragonkin can be located at a distance by utilizing their 360 awareness. In combination with skilled falconry this has some amazing military, surveillance, and protective potential. Shielding. Dragons can project an energetic shield to protect themselves and their 'Tzamokimae, physically, mentally and energetically. They cannot offer emotional shielding, but they are able to influence their 'Tzamokimae emotionally and even physically through certain layers of DragonSpeech. The sturdiness and effectiveness of such shielding depends on many factors such as Worldfire reserves, speed with which the shield must be erected, duration and force of what they are shielding from, conscious awareness and so on. Dragons shield themselves automatically and near instantaneously. To shield their 'Tzamokimae effectively takes awareness and possibly a certain ramping up of energy, so this is not necessarily as handy as it sounds. Shared senses. Just as the dragon can extend the line of sight for the purpose of astral projection to include 'Tzamokimae's line of sight, they can also see and hear through their 'Tzamokimae's eyes and ears and experience what they are experiencing. The considerate dragon quickly learns how and when to give their 'Tzamokimae at least the feeling of privacy. Depending on circumstances (such as the 'Tzamokimae being in potential danger) the privacy may be selective or superficial in order to protect them if the need arises. Such parameters as these are worked out between BondMates.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Bonded dragons have a symbiotic relationship with their Kovelak'Tzamokimae (BondMates). They are connected spiritually, emotionally and energetically. Together, the BondMates have skills and abilities they would not have alone. There are two types of 'Tzamokimae (projector and portal) and two distinct paths (Saur'Guarda and Saur'Khurandra). The projector is the most common regardless of path--they can project and direct their dragon's astral form without being in the dragon's physical presence. The portal is more rare and can actually transport their dragon from a distant location to their own. This obviously takes a great deal of power and is something one should not even attempt with out years of experience as BondMates. There are VERY rarely 'Tzamokimae who are natural portals. These are usually discovered because they have, usually in time of need accidentally transported their dragon to them without even thinking about it. Saur'Guarda are the martially inclined of the 'Tzamokimae, the DragonBonded equivalent to the ne'Guarda, but with some very specific and unusual skills. Saur'Khurandra are the mystics/healers/mages of the DragonBonded. Saur'Guarda and Saur'Khurandra can be either projector or portal. Saur'Drena (DragonDreamers) are those who have mastered both Saur'Guarda and Saur'Khurandra skills, whether projector or portal. 'Tzamokimae are considered Saur'Drena'Naan (Dragon Masters) if they are Saur'Drena and have mastered both projection and portal skills. These are understandably very rare.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Dragons have both a complex, multilayered language and a complex, somewhat convoluted naming system. The name begins with their life stage (for example, Youngest). Their color is added, so initially you have for example Youngest Golden. This would be followed by some kind of unique descriptor, for example Fire. Following that would be an attribute (or attributes) or an achievement. Example: Amenik’Zeklor’Tzek’Sorvek’Morchanik, meaning Youngest Golden Fire, Loyal and Patient. Every significant accomplishment or demonstration of an attribute another word would be added. As they progress through the stages of life, their name would change. Our example would become Juvenile Golden Fire, Loyal, Patient and Brave or some such. Dragon names can become ridiculously long over their lifetime. This is really only a difficulty to non-dragons as one of the levels of DragonSpeech conveys the flash-sense of the attributes, an image of the accomplishment and their color in one overlapping "speech-image," the only additional "word" needed would be their life stage and often that can be conveyed simply by the complexity of the "speech-image" involved.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dragons can be Gold, Silver, Blue, Green, Purple, Red, and Black. Their scales have a two-tone shimmer effect between lighter and darker tones of their particular color and are surprisingly smooth and warm. The color of wings and tail are a gradient from their lightest hue at the base to their deepest shade at the tip. They also have countershading, being lighter on the bottom than the top.