Dragons
Dragons on Seerth stand as paragons of ancient power and wisdom. Born from the Eternal Tree, alongside the Kui Yuk, their existence intertwines with the world's fundamental forces. Unlike their scalekind brethren, dragons were never bound by the Kui Yuk's creations but shared a destiny that eventually led them to rebellion and liberation. This rebellion was spearheaded by Nikuijoo, a dragon whose thirst for vengeance ignited the War of Wing and Scale, a conflict that reshaped the world's very fabric.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dragons exhibit a breathtaking diversity in form, embodying the world's elemental diversity. From the majestic and serpentine forms reminiscent of Asian lore to the formidable and armored beings of European tales, dragons adapt their physicality to their environment and elemental affinity. This adaptability extends to their ability to shapeshift, allowing them to adopt forms that facilitate interaction with other races or aid in their inscrutable designs.
Biological Traits
Dragons are defined by their magical abilities, which manifest as breath weapons, spellcasting, and unique powers tied to their elemental affinities. These abilities, coupled with their physical prowess, magical abilities and ability to change form, make dragons apex predators and revered figures in myths and legends.
Genetics and Reproduction
Dragon reproduction is a rare and mystical process, shrouded in ancient rituals and magic. The birth of a dragon is heralded as a world-altering event, with each egg guarded jealously for its potential to birth a being of immense power. Dragon eggs are incubated in environments rich in elemental magic, ensuring the hatchling's affinity is profoundly imprinted from birth.
Growth Rate & Stages
A dragon's life is marked by several stages, each signifying a growth in power and wisdom. Starting as hatchlings, they rapidly gain strength and intelligence, reaching young adulthood within a few centuries. As they age, dragons go through stages of growth that see them becoming many things including but not limited to; protectors, scholars, tyrants and eventually, ancient beings that hold sway over vast territories and secrets.
Ecology and Habitats
Dragons adapt their habitats to their elemental natures, with each dragon type choosing locales that amplify their innate powers. These habitats, ranging from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain peaks, become centers of elemental energy and biodiversity, attracting creatures and influencing the environment in profound ways.
Dietary Needs and Habits
A dragon's diet is as varied as their forms, primarily consisting of large creatures, elemental essences, and, for some, magical artifacts. Dragons prefer hunting methods that align with their elemental affinities, ensuring their sustenance also serves to strengthen their connection to their elemental domain.
Behaviour
The psychology of dragons is complex, shaped by millennia of existence and the accumulation of knowledge. While some dragons are benevolent and seek to guide younger races, others are indifferent or outright malevolent, viewing other beings as pawns or threats. Their long lifespans afford them a perspective on existence that is both a boon and a burden, driving them to pursue goals that span centuries.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Dragon society is loosely structured, with most dragons leading solitary lives. However, they do gather for reasons of territory, mating, or shared interests, such as hoarding knowledge or magical artifacts. Elder dragons are often revered by younger dragons for their wisdom and power, but formal hierarchies are rare.
Facial characteristics
The facial features of dragons are as varied as their elemental types. Some have elongated, serpentine faces with dozens of razor-sharp teeth, while others have broader, more humanoid faces with horns and frills. All dragons, however, share piercing eyes that glow with the power of their ancient heritage.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Dragons are found across all of Seerth, with their habitats reflecting their elemental affiliations. For example, fire dragons dwell in volcanic regions or arid deserts, while water dragons prefer the depths of oceans or sprawling river systems. Despite their varied locations, all dragons are bound by a common lineage that traces back to the Eternal Tree.
Average Intelligence
Dragons are among the most intelligent creatures on Seerth. They possess a deep understanding of magic, history, and the cosmos, acquired through centuries of study and contemplation. Their intelligence is not merely academic; dragons are cunning adversaries and allies, capable of complex strategic thought and emotional depth.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Beyond their physical might, dragons possess sensory capabilities that transcend the mundane. Their perception of magic is innate, allowing them to sense arcane disturbances, track magical essences, and see through most enchantments. This arcane sight, combined with their acute senses, makes dragons formidable hunters and unparalleled guardians of mystical secrets.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Dragon names are complex, often reflecting their elemental nature, achievements, and lineage. A dragon's name can include titles earned through deeds, a practice that honors their accomplishments and the legacy they aspire to leave behind.
Major Organizations
Dragons lack formal organizations, but they form alliances or councils for specific purposes, such as defending against a common threat or sharing arcane knowledge. These gatherings are rare and often temporary, dissolving once their purpose is fulfilled.
Average Technological Level
Despite their magical prowess, dragons show little interest in technology as humans understand it. They view magic as the supreme force, capable of accomplishing tasks that technology strives to achieve.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Dragons communicate using Aether Tongue, a primordial language that predates even the oldest civilizations on Seerth. Aether Tongue is a language of power, capable of shaping magic and reality itself. Its sounds are not fully replicable by non-dragons, containing frequencies and tones that resonate with the elemental forces of creation.
Common Etiquette Rules
In dragon society, respect is given to those who possess wisdom, strength, and age. Younger dragons often defer to their elders, seeking their counsel and paying homage to their achievements. When dragons meet, they often exchange formal greetings that acknowledge each other's power and status, a process that can involve intricate aerial displays, vocalizations in Aether Tongue, and the sharing of knowledge or magical gifts.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Dragon culture is rich and ancient, steeped in traditions that celebrate their elemental heritage and the deep magic of the world. They are the keepers of old lore, guardians of secrets that predate the rise of the Kui Yuk. Dragons honor the Eternal Tree and their place within its legacy through rituals that pay homage to the natural world and the elemental forces that govern it.
Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals
One of the most revered traditions among dragons is the Telling of Scales, a ceremony where dragons recount their deeds, travels, and the wisdom they've acquired. This tradition is a way for dragons to share their knowledge and ensure that their experiences contribute to the collective memory of their kind.
Common Taboos
Most Dragons view betrayal and cowardice as the gravest of sins, unworthy of their noble lineage. To betray one's word is to forsake the ancient bonds of dragonkind, leading to exile or worse. For a few select dragons, this may be seen as a desirable trait however.
History
The history of dragons on Seerth is a myriad of wars, alliances, and periods of enlightenment. The War of Wing and Scale was a pivotal event that saw dragons breaking free from the Kui Yuk's dominion, a conflict that reshaped the political landscape of Seerth and established dragons as formidable powers in their own right. The rebellion led by Nikuijoo and the civil strife within the Kui Yuk are legendary, echoing through dragon lore as a time of great sacrifice and eventual triumph. For thousands of years, dragons and scalekind ruled over Seerth, akin to their previous oppressors. Like all tyranical reigns, this one ended in blood and strife, with dragons scattered across the lands of Seerth and other planes of existence.
Historical Figures
Nikuijoo:The Blighted Son: Revered as the liberator of dragonkind, his relentless pursuit of vengeance and justice against the Kui Yuk is legendary.
Chronepsis: The enigmatic progenitor who chose to fade into obscurity, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and a call for peace among all beings of Seerth.
Common Myths and Legends
The tales of the War of Wing and Scale, and the legends of Chronepsis and Nikuijoo, are among the most sacred. These stories are not just history; they are lessons in the cost of freedom and the value of unity against oppression.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Dragons maintain complex relations with other races of Seerth. While some view them with awe and reverence, others fear their power and the remnants of their ancient wars. Despite this, dragons often act as protectors of the natural world, intervening when the balance is threatened by external forces or the ambitions of lesser beings.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Origin/Ancestry
The dragons' origins trace back to the Eternal Tree, a cosmic entity embodying the balance between creation and destruction. This shared ancestry with the Kui Yuk established dragons as beings of significant power and destiny.
Lifespan
Dragons possess exceptionally long lifespans, with many living for millennia. Their life cycles are divided into distinct stages: hatchling, wyrmling, young, adult, ancient, and elder. An elder dragon is a rare sight, embodying centuries of wisdom, power.
Average Height
The physical dimensions of dragons vary widely based on their type and age. Young dragons may stand as tall as a large tree, while ancient dragons can tower over castles.
Average Weight
Their weight is equally imposing, with the oldest dragons reaching thousands of kilograms, making them true behemoths of the natural world.
Average Physique
Dragons are the epitome of physical might. Even the youngest dragons have formidable strength, capable of tearing through stone and steel with ease. As they age, their bodies become tougher, capable of withstanding powerful magical attacks and extreme environmental conditions.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Dragons' scales shimmer with colors that reflect their elemental nature. Fire dragons may have scales that gradient from deep red to bright orange, while ice dragons boast hues of blue and white. These colors serve as a warning to potential threats and a beacon to their kin.
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