The Altiui
The Altiui are an organization of good-aligned dragon riders mostly made up of druids, rangers and paladins. The organization dates back a bit over 600 years but has existed in several vastly different states since its founding. Today the Altiui serve the Northern Government as a special task force for larger problems that appeal to the sense of justice instilled in their ranks by the Church of Lendys. Ritoetiklae, the current Watcher of Justice and thus leader of the Altiui, is one of the most respected Gold Dragons among his own kind second only to the King of Justice, but he perhaps the most respected among humanoids. The heart of the organization now exists in the Northern Capital after the destruction of Dryad's Gold, which nearly resulted in the faction's total dispersal.
Before the war the Altiui served as the Northern Province's unique elite guard that was not relegated to just the city alone. There were typically two individuals in a team: an individual of a longer lived race, typically elven and often a ranger, druid or paladin, and a young dragon they were a parental figure to. Dragons were by no means simple mount creatures and were treated as the people they were, with respect expected for their continued service and endearment to the cause.
Dragon parents who lived nearby larger northern province cities would volunteer their young before they had even hatched. The bulk of these dragons were green, with parents who wanted them to grow up strong and safe, and bronze, who's parents had a strong sense of justice. Any other colors, most typically silvers and golds, tended to arrive of their own volition seeking friendship or adventure. A dragon would retire and strike out on their own when they hit adulthood but served from the time they could carry their rider and perform maneuvers.
Despite this frequently meaning over 100 years of service there were never very many in one place- most of the these guards were mobile across the entire region if not stationed in Dryad's Gold or the actual Northern Capital.
History
The wood elf Akitell Ress and the green dragon Leatgannati were raised like siblings by the Queen of the Deepwood, and in their adult years became the first humanoid and dragon partnership that guarded Dryad's Gold. Leatgannati was not the first dragon to protect the city however. Aerisclughpalar, a very ancient gold great wyrm who was a devout druid of Mielikki, had long had an affection for the druids of Dryad's Gold. He knew that he was mortal and would one day no longer be able to protect the grove for his Goddess. He saw great potential in Akitell and Leat, and so he trained them in the defenses he knew.
He was adamant that the two pass these teachings on and reached out to his many family members in the Deepwoods, also inviting Leat's extensive family. The city (and in turn the grove that Aeris cherished so) was soon protected by an elite rank of druids astride the backs of gold or green dragons that grew with their riders. Thanks to the Dryad Knights the city was allowed to flourish rather than falling prey to frequent raids now that it was so visible.
One particularly dry season a forest fire began to ravage the Deepwoods, burning on the fuel of a great deal of dried greenery, as Aerisclughpalar had long fought and prevented any fires from starting. His hubris in the face of the natural order resulted in a fire that spread far further and lasted much longer than it ever should have. Aerisclughpalar had enemies in the Cult of the Dragon for his vigilant routing out of their attempts to take root in his woods, and as he was exhausted from trying to contain the burn and keep it from reaching Dryad's Gold they attacked. Aeris survived but was severely injured. He retreated from his position to heal, and the Dryad Knights were suddenly left with the full responsibility of protecting their home. Aeris never returned, and his fate is unknown.
Over time the organization came to include more than just green and gold dragons partnering with druids or training to become druids themselves. Dragons interested in a bright and kind future for their young would volunteer individual hatchlings or even entire nests to the hatchery they soon maintained. As Dryad's Gold became more and more a part of the Northern Province's culture and commerce the city began having to follow provincial laws just as much as local ones. They adapted from protectors of the city who were borderline respected vigilantes and instead became a form of true law enforcement. As such, the Dryad Knights began to spread. It was here that they became known as the Altiui, simply draconic for "wing."
Ritoetiklae, a gold dragon and the son of a well-respected devout of Lendys, was entered in to the organization as a wyrmling. He was one of the few dragons who remained in the service even after hitting adulthood and climbed the ranks. After the war with Akitell and Leatgannati dead Ritoetiklae was elevated to the top general by a scattered faction desperate to hold together. By combining them with his family's influence in the church of Lendys he prevented the total disbandment of the Altiui.
The Altiui now operate in a strange state. They seem to be an independent body once again when it comes to the government and are more a particular faction of the Church of Lendys. They are, however, honor and duty-bound to upholding justice, and as such answer many of the calls the Northern Government brings to their attention, leaving many to view them as little more than fancy religious mercenaries.
Religion
Despite starting with devouts of Meilikki and other druidic faiths the modern Altiui are all a part of the church of Lendys, and are composed largely of Gold dragons.
Trade & Transport
The Altiui were the original rapid transport through the air with any amount of organization, repurposing courier routes and practices to carry high profile individuals to and from certain parts of the capital. Outside of war time acting as transport was actually the vast majority of an Altiui's duties, as it is a dangerous world and nothing kept skills and endurance sharp like long flights and sudden mid-air battles with passengers you don't even want to rustle too badly. Dragons with bat-like wings were much preferred for anyone looking for "comfort."
Younger Altiui were also not against running packages, albeit for hefty fees or exceptional treasures- for many this was the start of their hoard and they relished the opportunity despite dragons who had aged out of the program quickly finding it beneath them.
Education
Young Altiui are few and far between and now apprentice directly beneath older dragons, often times having several years of "dry run" practice before they even meet their riders-to-be. Said riders are typically exceptional athletes or casters who earn the opportunity to interview with prospective dragon partners. That said, they receive little in the way of training themselves, and it is put upon the dragons to know how to run maneuvers.
Justice for All Things Good Shimmering Beneath the Sun
Founding Date
3583 AWC
Type
Government, Law Enforcement
Alternative Names
Dragon Riders, Dryad Knights
Leader
Leader Title
Parent Organization
Location
Related Ethnicities
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments