Kindred (CWS)

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The dragons of the Io's Blood Isles have formed a number of alliances and partnerships with the lesser races inhabiting the islands. In almost all cases, the dragons are in positions of authority and rulership, while the lesser races serve as vassals (in the best cases) or slaves (in the worst). The longer-lived demihumans can achieve a more prominent position as kindred-characters bonded to their dragon masters in mind, body, and spirit. 
Brief descriptions of these player character races follow, though in most ways they resemble the dwarves, elves and gnomes of other AD&D game settings. Most game material concerning these races can be found in the Player's Handbook. Any changes or additions to that information are presented here. 
==Dwarves==
The short, powerful dwarves of the island chain can be found in almost every draconic domain. In most cases, dwarves perform the physical labor for their dragon masters. They build lairs, mine ores, and serve as the backbone of the demihuman military forces loyal to the dragon clans. Dwarves are the preferred kindred of bronze, copper, emerald, red, and blue dragons. Though they can bond with other dragon types, relationships to these are most common. Of all dragonkind, black dragons are the least likely to select dwarves as kindred because of the great dislike they have for the small demihumans. 
==Elves==
Shorter, thinner and leaner of frame than humans, the graceful elves of Io's Blood Isles faithfully serve their draconic masters. Elves are the thinkers and planners, keeping the draconic domains running smoothly while their dragon lords deal with the larger issues and concerns more suited to draconic talents and mindsets. The elves appeal to the dragons' artistic side, and many serve as storytellers, singers, and dancers who perform for a dragon lord's pleasure. 
Elves deal with much of the outdoor work, as this suits their need to be beneath the open sky. While examples of all elf races inhabit the isles, the high elf is the most common. Due to their aptitude for magic, many dragons keep elf wizards to assist them in arcane endeavors.The following draconic types most often select elves as kindred: silver, brass, crystal, black, and white. The sapphire dragon clans refuse to use elf vassals, let alone form the kindred bond with them, due to the dragons' long-standing natural hatred of the drow. Red dragons, while they keep elf vassals, never select them as kindred.
==Gnomes==
Smaller, less rotund dwarf-kin called gnomes fill out the demihuman population of the isles, as they are more prolific than either of the other two major demihuman races. Gnomes live beneath the ground, in the rolling hills, and in the deep forests. A few hardy clans even inhabit the swamps and seacoasts. In addition to handling the many jobs petitioned out by their dragon masters, gnome vassals search for gems, jewelry and precious stones. Some dragons even keep gnome crafters to cut and polish specific items for their treasure hoards. Gold, amethyst, sapphire, topaz, and green dragons most often form the kindredbond with gnomes. Brass, blue, and white dragons refuse to bond with gnomes.
 Table 6: Preferred Kindred
 	Elf	Dwarf	Gnome
Gold 	R 	R 	P
Silver 	P 	R 	R
Bronze 	R 	P 	R
Copper 	R 	P 	R
Brass 	P 	R 	N
Amethyst	R 	R 	P
Sapphire	N 	R 	P
Emerald 	R 	P 	R
Topaz 	R 	R 	P
Crystal 	P 	R 	R
Red 	N 	P 	R
Blue 	R 	P 	N
Green 	R 	R 	P
Black 	P 	N 	R
White 	P 	R 	N
: P: Preferred as kindred.
: R: Rarely selected as kindred.
: N: Never selected as kindred
: However, even demihumans marked N can sometimes be found as kindred to PC dragons, with the DMs permission