The Nightkeepers

Nightkeepers is a color and gene specific Subspecies. It was established by the user **ande** on **June 11, 2019**. The original thread currently stands at 8 pages, with the last reply from the creator in 2021, and the last from anyone also in 2021.

## Lore

### *Origins*

*When the sun sets, Light dragons find themselves out of their element. Lanterns and lamps abound in most of the realm, but there remain areas of disconcerting shadow that put residents ill at ease. There is no shortage of tall tales of the terrible things that happen. Those forced to venture out after dark do so with reluctance and fear.*

*Or, at least, they used to.*

*It began as a rumor. A young couple, returning late from a social event, heard a curious noise from behind a pillar. They moved away slowly, only to feel claws reaching for them from behind—*

*And then the stars fell upon their attacker, right out of the sky.*

*No one believed the young couple at first. But then someone else saw the cosmos shift strangely overhead one night. Someone else’s hatchling claimed to have been led home by a piece of the sky. As the moons passed, more dragons came forward with stories. There was something living out there in the night, and it was protecting the Sunbeam Ruins.*

*One calm summer night, two strangers were seen strolling leisurely across the Sundial Terrace. One was on their way to be exalted into the service of the Lightweaver. The other appeared to be comforting them, telling them their clan would remember them with fondness and respect.*

*As they approached the Beacon of the Radiant Eye, the soon-to-be-exalt was overheard saying, “I go to her gladly, knowing you keep watch in the night.” Not long afterward, an Imperial-shaped shadow was seen disappearing into the clouds.*

*The Nightkeepers' protection has since grown and spread to all eleven flights. They are never seen in the daytime, their identities known to no one but themselves. Those rare few who have spoken to a Nightkeeper in person report members of all breeds, whose duties range from aerial patrol to routine combat with the Beastclans. It is has been said that they swear an oath to protect all dragons of Sornieth, to maintain anonymity, to perform kindness in their community, and to provide some precious light in the dark.*

### *Rules*

1. *A Nightkeeper's duty is to protect and to serve, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the dragons of Sornieth.*
2. *A Nightkeeper may operate within their flight of birth and/or flight of current residence, i.e. a Water dragon living in an Arcane lair is allowed to patrol in Water and Arcane territory. Exceptions can be made in case of emergency.*
3. *A Nightkeeper is only allowed to reveal their identity to fellow Nightkeepers and dragons in their own lair. They must strive to uphold their anonymity, staying out of sight and speaking to other dragons only when necessary.*
4. *A Nightkeeper holds themself to high standards of behavior and orderly conduct. They understand that failure to do so is grounds for expulsion.*
5. *A Nightkeeper must complete a minimum of 3 assigned shifts a week to retain their active status. Active Nightkeepers are provided with some food and treasure, as provided by generous members of the community; inactive Nightkeepers do not receive this allowance. Exceptions can be made in case of illness.*

### *Roles*

*Nightlights - These are the jack-of-all-trades, who are often either indecisive or overachievers. They do a little bit of everything, filling in in certain roles as needed.*

*Quickwings - As the name suggests, the fastest dragons make the best Quickwings. They are the only Nightkeepers allowed to cross into other flights' territories in order to deliver messages. (Spiral and Fae dragons tend towards this role.)*

*Darkdivers - Dragons who are particularly skilled at operating in darkness often become Darkdivers. Similar to the Nightlights, they do a little bit of everything—just in the darkest regions of Sornieth. (Nocturne and Bogsneak dragons tend towards this role.)*

*Sharpsentries - This role is equal parts patrolling and looking out, on the ground, in the sky and in the water. Unlike the other roles, Sharpsentries often operate alone or in pairs. It is their job to alert the watch parties via Quickwings if trouble is afoot. (Skydancer and Mirror dragons tend towards this role.)*

*Strongclaws - Most commonly assigned to the borders, these dragons' prowess is in combat. They are not allowed to start fights with other dragons or interfere in an ongoing conflict unless it escalates beyond control. On slow nights, they often supplement the Nightkeepers' income by battling local Beastclans. (Wildclaw and Guardian dragons tend towards this role.)*

### *Ranks*

**Trainee** - Hatchlings and new recruits to the Nightkeepers. All trainees begin as Nightlights and may either continue in this role or select a different one to train as. A small graduation ceremony is held when the trainee successfully demonstrates knowledge of their flight's territory and capability in performing their role. **Requirements: None**

**Watcher** - A regular member of the Nightkeepers, assigned to a watch party. There is typically at least one dragon per role in a watch party, depending on the geography and proximity to borders/Beastclans in the party's area. **Requirements: Adult**

**Captain** - A captain is tasked with training new Nightkeepers, overseeing others within their role, and carrying out the Councillors' orders. They also continue to serve in their role. **Requirements: Level 17+**

**Councillor** - Before the dragons of Sornieth deemed them "Nightkeepers," they called themselves the "Night Watch Council," a name which has been partially retained in the title of the Nightkeepers' leaders. A councillor coordinates with the captains to put together watch parties, assign shifts, and generally ensure the smooth operation of the Nightkeepers. Matters of discipline, reward and/or conflict require a Council Meeting, which councillors must attend in order to cast their vote. **Requirements: Level 20+, tertiary gene within the preferred range**

## Breed Requirements

Auctionhouse Link

Diaphanous
Firefly
Opal
Smoke
Veined
Branches
Glimmer
Glowtail
Runes
Spines
Thorns
Underbelly