Dragons

**Dragons** are an ancient race that have existed since the Time of Creation. Some say they are direct offspring of the Gods themselves, acting as caretakers of the Realm.

## Overview

The dragons' domain reached all corners of Rochendil, from the treacherous Sea of Tides to Frozen Peak's ice caps. Some were capable of flight, some were adept to live in complete darkness, while others were entirely aquatic.

Dragons start their life at a size no more than a house cat, dragonlings were feral and kept themselves in numbers. Most leave the safety of the group as they mature, where their size starts increasing exponentially. They have an exceptionally long lifespan, and most use this advantage to expand their intellect. Those who did gained great wisdom, capable of speaking in multiple tongues and becoming adept in magick.

Unlike their Draconian brethren, only true elder dragons were able to assume a humanoid form. This enabled them to don the guise of other creatures. Some were merely passive observers, while others were savage rulers. Each marked themselves forever in Rochendil's history.

### Dragon Council

The most renowned Draconic presence was the communion of six elder dragons, known as the 'Dragon Council', residing in the Valley of Volition. Its members traveled across kingdoms, providing aid with their vast knowledge, power, and wisdom. The true nature of their communion was never revealed, but it had endured for millennium. The council's decisions often defined the political map of the Realm, even though they insisted to stay neutral.

While there was no true council leader, it is commonly known that Erudar, the ancient sky dragon, was acting as their voice of reason. Never assuming a humanoid form, he chose to stay within the halls at all times. Rulers and noblemen visited him for enlightenment. Sky dragons are believed to possess the longest lifespan of all dragon races, and with their exceptional intellect, it is within possibility that he was the wisest of all beings in the Realm.

The next member of the council is Rhaegos, the Valiant One. A gold dragon, his prowess in swordsmanship was unparalleled. He always remained in his humanoid avatar: A silver-eyed man donning a golden armor with flowing green cape. As the most active member of the six, he often embarked on missions to slay monsters or fend off raids. It was he who helped defend against the first Corruption strike on the Dwarven Kingdom.

Another council member is Mersiorth. Nicknamed the Silver Sage, the azure dragon's thirst of knowledge knew no bounds. He wrote numerous tomes, and his research labs dotted the Realm, most of which lay abandoned today. Regarded as the patron saint of knowledge, the Great Academy sigil is based on his image. His human form was an old man with a flowing silver beard, donning a white and gold cloak.

Rinneth, also known as the Viridescent Maiden, was the only female member of the council. An elder fairy dragon, she was well known for her vast knowledge in herbalism and potion-making. Kind-hearted, her aid during a pestilence was invaluable. People considered her the patron saint of alchemy and medicine. Her avatar was a silver-haired female elf wearing a green garb, adorned with her signature golden leaf clasp.

Hirador was another member of the council. A bronze dragon, his avatar form was a copper-haired male elf with his signature hat and harp. A musician and poet, his extraordinary works are still being played and recited to this day. Aside from his proficiency in art, Hirador was able to communicate with animals, and perhaps to the forest itself. He was highly respected by the elves.

The last council member is also the least well known. Believed to be an earth dragon, he called himself Kevvath. His avatar was never known, but he used ravens to convey his message to other council members. He is said to have lost his sight in exchange for a direct connection to the Ley Lines, allowing him to predict future events. It was his prophecy that enabled Rhaegos to arrive in time, preventing further massacre by the Corruption Horde.

As with any other dragons in the Realm, the Dragon Council vanished during the Disappearance event. Eyewitnesses report that all were present in the halls during the night the event occurred.

## History

Dragons were known to have bonded with the Silver Knights of the late Vaethendar Empire. These dragon knights were a major force of the region, numbering in the hundreds. While the exact method of the bonding process is unclear, the end result was a mental link between said knight and the dragon pairing. This enabled each dragon knight to work together with his mount as one entity, unleashing breath attacks, arrows, and lance thrusts to their foes in synergy.

Dragons mysteriously vanished on 647 Aetas Dracenum. Known lairs were left abandoned, and the Dragon Council halls went silent. This includes the entirety of Dragon Knights corps, which abruptly abandoned their station.

To fight the Corruption Horde, the Dragon Council summoned rulers of all races, asking them to set aside differences to face greater evil. Even with the aid of the Dragon Council, the war dragged for years, culminating in heavy losses of lives.

This Disappearance event marked the end of the Great War, as shortly thereafter the Corruption Horde retreated back to the Crimson Ravine.

## Trivia

* According to Chappeaulle, not all dragons have disappeared from the realm. Those who remain have concealed themselves from other creatures.