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Post by Rhosalth on Sept 13, 2016 9:17:42 GMT -5
Dragons
Physical Traits:
Dragons are a varied race of all shapes, sizes, colors, builds, and specialties. Young dragons can easily be spotted as they are relatively small in size (averaging about from the size of a small horse to perhaps the size of an airplane at it’s biggest) are a very dull grey in color with four legs and a tail. Once matured a dragon will take on physical traits that coincide with the element it is chosen for which might include any combination of legs, wings, fins, scales, fur, horns, scales, etc.; their color will also depend upon which element they are tapped for coinciding with the colors of their home environment. Size in matured dragons denotes age, as the older the dragon typically is the larger they are.
{Dragons do NOT have a humanoid form!}
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Post by Rhosalth on Sept 13, 2016 9:19:36 GMT -5
History:
Back when Ephilion first came into being the twins, Xirena and Etdona, worked as one to create the world as it is known and establish the presence of magic that flows so strongly within the realm. They found the task quite daunting as the span of Ephilion was much more than they had anticipated, the elements created within each section were wild and unpredictable, often pushing past the boundaries that the sisters had marked out for them. Dismayed by their predicament the twins put their heads together, coming up with a way to maintain all their hard work while also leaving them free to continue as they wish. Xirena took bits of nature: a branch from a mighty oak, a wisp from the Eastern winds, the fine mist from a waterfall, a sliver of ice from the Northern reaches, and the molten core of a lava vent.
Using these elements from nature, the twins combined their powers creating beings of immense size and shape. From each facet of nature a giant beast was shaped: a female of purest white given to the Permafrost, a male of deepest green for the forests and mountain reaches, a male of vibrant gold who soared among the clouds, a male of glittering blue who ruled the ocean deep, and a female of fiery red to keep the fires burning. Born of nature and shaped by magic the Dragons of Ephilion were born making them the first and therefore oldest of the species to inhabit the realm. With powers inherent to their element the dragons became the wardens of their perspective environments, obtaining the heart of each with the utmost strength and honor.
Though they lived separately the 5 often came together, communing at least once a month under the full moon. The Twins gave them free reign to establish themselves as they saw fit so long as they continued to their purpose in preserving what had been created for them. Very early on it became apparent that Ice and Wind cared for one another deeply spending time together even when they were not Gathered as a group. After about five centuries of courting Wind and Ice became the first mated pair, forging the first private telepathic link. While Earth, Water, and Fire were happy for their brethren they were also envious of the pair, as their affections ran deep broadcasting across their telepathic speech.
For a long while Water had harbored a deep affection for Fire and it seemed she felt the same for him however Earth would not be left out and insisted that he was a better match for her. After 2 centuries of bickering their conflict finally came to a head as Earth challenged Water to a duel that would decide who could lay claim to Fire’s heart. Fire had since garnered devotion for Water and was dismayed when Earth demanded that it be decided in a battle between them. Despite her wishes the two males clashed in a vicious battle that left them both battered and in the end Earth came out the victor, earning to privilege of having Fire as his mate.
Thus Water was left to wile away the centuries alone, in a solitary existence forced to attend Gatherings were the two mated pairs paraded around in front of him. He grew concerned for Fire, for though she seemed content she did not seem happy with her life. Though she said little he could tell she was not as she once was and mourned the fiery female he had grown to love. Within 20 centuries Water observed the two pairings as they each had their first eggs, hatching out two dragonlings that would become another wind and fire dragons. Such as life continued, Water watching as his mated brethren began to give life to their species expanding their numbers by each millenia.
The dragons were met with a few surprises as two more species cropped up within Ephilion: the Sidhe and the Sylvanahr. Both were blessed by the Twin Goddesses who had made them therefore they accepted their residence in stride though keeping their distance. It was the arrival of the Giants that drew the dragons from their solitary lives, the brutal species stirring even the Winged Wardens into the war. The Giant Wars were brutal, taking on every species involved and for a time it seemed as if the savage green beings would prevail, that is until the Dragons banded together with the Sidhe and the Sylvanahr driving the Green Menace into extinction.
By the time the last Giant fell the dragons had suffered many losses, including the deaths of Ice, Wind, and Earth. Through the war the dragons had discovered that mating, if done right was a permanent ordeal, as once a pair is mated they would never mate with another again. A custom emerged however to help give the females a voice in who they mated with, creating a system that ensured that mated pairs be true. Given their species is male dominated the females who wish to be mated battle it out, showing off their prowess and strength in a way that displays their ability to protect their young and stand as an equal to their male mate. Once the rankings have been shown males that wish to put forth their favor hunt down a special kill and present it to the female of their choice, leaving it to the female to choose from those who have given them favor.
At the death of her mate Fire withdrew within herself, distancing herself from everyone but Water. The two rekindled their friendship and in a scandalous turn had a hatchling outside of a mating. The act was unheard of and harbored much debate among the dragons, establishing a long held rule that no hatchling should be produced outside of a mated pair and brought into being the mating rituals that survive to this day. While they couldn’t say much to the two Originals the rest of the population branded them rogue’s, excluding them from the greater of society. This suited Water and Fire just fine as they had lived long enough to care nothing for the politics and traditions of their race.
Another 2 millenia would go by before the dragons would be given another source of problems, sparking a blood feud that still rages to this day. Since the time of the Giant War’s and their alliance with the Sidhe the dragons have cared not for the antics of their neighbors, to each their own vices has always been their motto. However the Sidhe helped to fashion the cursed species of Harpy’s that would become a most hated enemy to the dragons. The Harpy’s jealous of the blessings heaped upon the dragons goaded them into battle, claiming the lives of several dragons including Fire. Before a truce or ceasefire could be negotiated a particularly vengeful Harpy got it in her head to steal an egg and after defiling it found that ingesting a dragon egg would stave off the curse for a month or so effectively obliterating any chances of a peace between the dragons and the harpys.
Water, heartbroken and soul shattered by the death of his love, left the waking world sinking deep beneath the oceans where he closed his eyes and slept. His name faded from memory and into legend, sealing the histories of those who had come before all. Since the time of the Originals the dragons have endured, holding fast to the traditions and customs laid down by the first few generations. Dragons have always been a male dominated race as well as the long established family lines holding true for each new hatchling that comes along. Leadership has fallen within the pylons of the oldest of families, uncontested and never questioned for as long as the Elders have been able to recall. However, recently a few new elements have been tapped giving way to a generation of younger dragons who don’t hold to the old ways. One dragon in particular has disrupted the status quo, first in taking a female for his mate that is considered far inferior due to a physical deformity and then in insisting on a change in leadership. Deviating from the usual path he forged the way for a voted leadership that put him in power and once again upsetting the balance he chose his mate as his second.
So deeply rooted are the dragons in tradition that there is great debate as to how their future will play out with this new rebel and his stalwart yet physically flawed mate at the helm.
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Post by Rhosalth on Sept 13, 2016 9:22:14 GMT -5
Traits:Solitary: Dragons tend to stay separate from each other, living alone or with their mates within a chosen or marked territory. They tend to only come together during the 4 solstice equinox that take place at the changing of each season.
Offspring: Dragons are a relatively small species due to their limited availability to produce hatchlings. A hatchling can only be produced once every 1000 years. The thousand year countdown begins from the day a pair are mated, though should a pair choose they can skip a breeding year. The female will lay an egg which takes a single year to gestate.
Guardians: The two leaders of the Dragons are given that title of Guardians, charged with safeguarding the wealth of knowledge that has been amassed by their race, protecting the traditions, and guiding their people through life in Ephilion. Until recently this position has been held by the Verdant Clan of the Western Reaches, directly descending from Original Earth and have held those position since the inception of the Gatherings. The position is now being held by a rebel upstart, elected into the positions by popular demand, and his self appointed mate; both deviants of electricity and energy as well as highly unorthodox Guardians.
Blood feud: For the most part Dragons are a peaceful race that like to keep to their own. While they disregard the Ghouls and distrust the wraiths they get along fine with the Sidhe and Sylvanahr. This cannot be said for the Harpies, as a deep blood feud exists between the two species. The Harpies harbor a deep jealousy toward the dragons for the blessing they were given while they themselves were cursed. The Dragons ignored the Harpies until one discovered that eating a Dragon egg will stay their curse, enabling to keep their gruesome side at bay for a month or so. Since then the Harpies have craved after the eggs of the Dragons creating a blood feud between the species that shows no signs of stopping, resulting in countless deaths on both sides.
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Post by Rhosalth on Sept 13, 2016 9:24:59 GMT -5
Strengths:
Immortal: There is no absolute record of how long a dragon’s lifespan is therefore it is universally accepted that as long as they are not killed a dragon can live forever.
Physical Strength: Being a large as they are dragon’s are physically the strongest species in Ephilion
Elementals: Upon reaching maturity a dragon will be tapped for an element giving them mastery over that element. They are immune to their own element with the exception of the healers who can heal themselves.
Weaknesses: Opposing Elements: Dragons are weakest to elements that are in opposition of their own, (fire is weak to water, water to ice, ice to earth, etc.) though any element not of their own can still cause them harm
Armor Chinks: All dragons have a natural scaled armor that is impenetrable expect at a single point along the side of the neck and just over the heart. These points are extremely hard to get out but if pierced will cause death instantly.
Egg Laying: Female dragons slip into a trance-like state while they are laying an egg making them oblivious to everything and open to attack. This trance-like state lasts a full 24 hours while laying and will leave the female weak for at least 3 days after.
Hatchlings: Dragon eggs and hatchlings are vulnerable to attack as they have no natural defenses outside of that provided by their parents. A dragon is considered a hatchling until they mature to about 250 years when they become a dragonling. Dragonlings can use their tails and claws to defend themselves however without an elemental tap they are still weak and vulnerable. |
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Post by Rhosalth on Sept 13, 2016 9:29:44 GMT -5
Powers:
Elementals: Dragons possess powers based upon the element in which they are tapped which coincide with their color and where they choose to make their homes. Being enigmatic in nature Dragons to not like to advertise their powers, preferring to keep their abilities to themselves. Healers are extremely rare, only producing one every generation that is highly sought after and well guarded. {A list will be provided of powers that can be used, however please limit abilities to maybe 3 or 4 that make sense for the element your dragon possesses. If you need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact one of the admins to discuss possibilities. The admins reserve the right to turn down or reject a proposed power.}
Flight: All dragons are able to fly, possessing immense stamina that enables them to fly for vast amounts of time without getting tired.
Fire breathing: Despite the many varying types of elements that a dragon may be tapped for, every dragon is able to breath fire. Dragon Fire is THE most intense form of flame, able to melt skin and reduce bones to ashes. There is no protection from Dragon Fire and only another Dragon can withstand the flames.
Telepathy: In order to communicate with other species and each other Dragons possess strong telepathy, projecting their voice into the minds of other species and one another. Mated pairs are known to have links upon which they can talk privately no matter the distance, as well as sense when the other is in danger or injured. |
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Post by Rhosalth on Sept 13, 2016 9:32:35 GMT -5
Limitations:Dragons do not reach maturity until they turn 500 years old at which point they are tapped for an element and eligible for mating. If you would like to RP your dragon getting tapped contact an admin and we will set up the RP with you. {Please contact an admin to be approved for a mating ritual. Both parties must agree to the mating and dragons can ONLY mate with other dragons.}
Guardians will announce when a Gathering will be held.
Dragons are considered Elders when they reach 50,000 years old and are highly respected within the populace by all species.
Dragons will not have a faceclaim, instead you will use a picture of a dragon as your avatar. Since there is a limited variety to be found don’t be too worried about finding one of the exact color or build. Use what you like or ask for some help and we will make it work!
To keep from having too many of one element the number for each will be limited so pay attention to the list of taken and available elements. If you have an idea for a new or different one please contact an admin to discuss.
Dragons CANNOT mate with other species! This is non-negotiable! |
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Post by Rhosalth on Sept 13, 2016 9:35:16 GMT -5
Traditions:
Naming: A Hatchling is not typically given a name until their 200th year as this gives time for the hatchling to develop a personality. Most namings are done in a formal ceremony in the presence of the entire clan. Names are only used once, as each name goes down in the histories kept by the Elders. Guardians: Guardians are the leaders of the dragons and for millenia past have been the Patriarch and Matriarch of the Verdant Clan. The Guardians are in charge or leading Gatherings, policing their people should the need arise, and ensuring the protection of the Elders who are the living histories of their people. In recent years the leadership chain has been broken by *Sparky* who was recently chosen by the majority to lead his people. In a stirring and controversial twist he chose his blind mate Rhosalth as his second, defying the customs of the strongest and most physically able bodied of their species to lead.
Gatherings: Gatherings are typically held during the Solstice Equinox (at the turn of the seasons) in which dragons conduct business with the entire Hold. Matings, communion with the Elders, Elemental Taps, and business with the Guardians can be done during a Gathering. Gatherings usually last about a week though they can be extended if their is need. Emergency Gatherings can be called however it is an extremely rare event.
Elemental Tap: Dragonlings who have reached their 500th year are brought before the Guardians during a Gathering who will conduct their Tapping Ceremony. The Guardians will invoke the magic of Ephilion dedicating the Dragonling to the magic that flows through the realm. This enables the elements to tap into the flow of magic held within the dragons heart releasing their powers and effectively tapping them for an element. During this process the young dragons body will shift and grow to accomodate the element they are tapped for as well as establishing their powers and coloring.
Unmated Females/Males: Mature unmated females, unlike their male counterparts, are rarely if ever allowed to stray far from their clan. They can take up residence on their own however they are rarely located outside of a zone that can be easily reached by the Patriarch of their clan. In this way unmated Females are protected until they choose a mate. Males on the other hand are given free reign of where and when they can go once matured.
Matings: Mating takes place during Gatherings in which females who wish to find a mate put themselves forward for the Trial. During the Trial females duel in a fierce battle of supremacy that ranks them in accordance to where they come out during these duels. In this way the females showcase their ferocity, prowess, strength, and feminine resolve displaying for the males those that will be strong mothers and equal partners for the males. Once the Trial is finished the males who wish to present themselves go out and hunt down a prized meal, presenting it to the female of their choice for consideration. The female is then given the choice to accept one of the tributes or decline. Those who accept lie together beneath the Solstice Moon sealing their bond and becoming mates forevermore.
Feeding Hierarchy: When males and females feed together there are specific parts of the kill that are attributed to each gender. Females always get the tenderloin while the males are afforded the heart and the ribs, leaving the rest of the kill as free game.
Shedding: Once every 2,000 years a dragon can choose to shed any broken, cracked, or out of place scales upon it’s hide in a painful process known as shedding. This must be done during a full moon when the veil of magic is thinnest, allowing the chosen scales to be removed. Unmated males and females do this alone though they are often protected by a male from their clan as they are singular in their mindset during this time. Mated pairs undergo this ritual together, assisting in the removal which also allows for a trading of scales between the two. In this way they can be given a scale from their mate to display upon themselves, becoming an integral part of their natural armor. {This is rarely done, as it is an extremely personal and deeply tradition that few have the presence of mind or the intimate connection to undergo} |
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