Dracaena
The dragons were once revered as gods. This practice continues in some areas of the dragon lands. If it is done in the Human Territories, it is done in secret. Most dragon-ruled towns no longer practice this, but it has started becoming popular again.
The Dracaena lives close to a human settlement, usually in a temple built by human hands. The humans bring the Dracaena offerings and pray for safety, in return, she watches over the area and protects it from threats. In the past, this mostly included other dragons or the occasional bandit party. The Dracaena is also knowledgeable of the area and passes judgment for crimes.
While the dragon lives in the temple, very rarely are other people allowed to see her. Even among worshippers, only the Grand Kobold is allowed to commune with the dragon directly. Her needs are tended to by the Kobolds, the followers of the dragon religion and the only humans allowed to live within the temple with her. The temple is guarded by Dragoons, her personal guards who answer only to her.
A Title by Any Other Name
The title of Dracaena differs from that of Matriarch. In short, all Dracaena are Matriarchs but not all Matriarchs are Dracaena. In the past, this title carried a great deal of weight, but today, it is rarely used. So rare in fact that only one dragon still qualifies for the title. On paper, there is no distinct difference between the two. Ultimately, it is a matter of influence. Dracaena are more involved in human lives than the average Matriarch. In practice, the two are night and day. A Dracaena is considered above even a Matriarch and the two are never used interchangeably.Requirements
Because of the practice that Matriarchs rule over a clan, the Dracaena, is almost always female and must be capable of using the matriarch’s call despite neither being an actual requirement. There have been cases where a male was chosen, but these instances were extremely rare. Like a matriarch, only one Dracaena can rule over a specific territory at a time.
Appointment
A Dracaena chooses her successor. Because dragons live such long lives, the only way could die was from disease or attack from another dragon. Their longevity also means there are no official records of the first Dracaena or how she was appointed. Sadly, if these records did exist, they were destroyed in The Great Rebellion.
Because Dracaena did not fight one another, and there are no records of death by disease, I have theorized that a Dracaena served until she grew bored and passed the mantle to another.
Duties
In the past, the Dracaena was called upon to solve all problems: helping crops grow, infertility, disease, long life, help in battle, etc. Today, her tasks are severely limited, but she is still called upon to bless births, punish criminals, and provide guidance. Very rarely is she called upon to settle disputes, a task given to the Matriarchs.
Today she is in charge of the spiritual guidance and morals of every citizen within The Dragonlands. Humans journey to her temple to bring her gifts and ask for her favor, but the Matriarchs are required to deliver tax and information of the area she resides over.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
The title of Dracaena is a permanent appointment even after death. Only another Dracaena may strip one of her title. There are no records of this ever occuring.
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