Onyx Dragon

### Range

Mostly in the South Far East of The Continent but some but some specimens have been found on the frontier of the Far North

A **Onyx Dragon** or ***'Animalia Chordata Xenosauria Squamadraco Orientalis Tetrapa Draconis Onyx***' are a rare and highly sought-after subspecies of Black Dragon that is found exclusively in The Continent. They are known for their deep black scales with mineral-like in appearance which give them their name, and their immense strength and ferocity in battle. They are highly territorial creatures, fiercely protective of their hoard and are known to dwell in remote and inhospitable regions such as the highest peaks of the Southern Zerrikanian Mountains and Dragon Mountains. Their deep black scales allow them to blend in with their surroundings, making them nearly invisible to the untrained eye. They prefer areas that are rich in minerals and other resources, and are known to hoard vast amounts of treasure and precious metals. They can often be found near active volcanoes and other geological formations, as they are drawn to the heat and energy that emanates from these locations.

## Biology and behavior

Onyx Dragons are also known to be very adaptable creatures, able to survive in a wide range of environments, from freezing tundras to scorching deserts. They are known to be able to survive in areas where other dragons would not be able to survive, due to their strong resistance to the elements. They are known to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, high altitudes, and other harsh conditions.

In terms of their diet, Onyx Dragons are known to be opportunistic hunters, preying on a wide range of animals, from large mammals to smaller creatures such as birds and reptiles. They are also known to consume mineral-rich foods, such as rocks and minerals, which help to strengthen their scales and other body parts.

Their blood is considered a powerful ingredient in alchemy and magic. Due to their scarcity and the danger they pose, hunting them is considered a suicide mission by most and only the bravest and most skilled witchers and Dragon Hunters dare to take on such a task.

Onyx Dragons are also rumored to possess unique abilities such as the power to control and manipulate the elements, and are said to be immune to certain types of magic. Their scales are highly prized for their supposed magical properties and are often used to make powerful armor and weapons. Additionally, Onyx dragons are known to be highly intelligent and possess a level of cunning that makes them even more dangerous to those who dare to hunt them. Onyx dragons are considered to be among the most valuable creatures to hunt and are highly sought after by wealthy individuals, royalty, and powerful organizations.

The Onyx Dragons are shorter-lived than their relatives, the Black Dragons, only living for centuries, instead of millennia, due to their larger size. Onyx Dragons are also known to be very powerful in terms of their breath attack which is said to be able to destroy everything in its path. Their breath attack can be in the form of fire, ice, or lightning, depending if one of the parents is another subspecies of Dragon. They also possess the ability to fly and can reach incredible speeds while doing so, making them difficult to track and capture.

Onyx dragons are also known to be very secretive and elusive creatures, making them difficult to study and learn about. Many myths and legends surround them, with some people believing that they possess the power to grant wishes. The exact number of Onyx Dragons that exist in the wild is unknown, as they are incredibly rare and difficult to spot. They cannot speak normally, but possess a higher intelligence than humans. Only in cases where they possess, for example, a grandparent who is a Chromatic Dragon, they can communicate directly with other races, mainly using telepathy ( like in the case of Chernobog ) Their behavior is more aggressive than other dragons. Despite the fame and notoriety surrounding Chernobog, it's important to note that not all Onyx Dragons have the same level of aggression and territorial behavior. Each Onyx Dragon has its own unique personality and behavior, and some may be more peaceful and less aggressive than others.

## Worship in Zerrikania

The worship of Onyx Dragons in Zerrikania is a longstanding tradition that dates back to ancient times. The dragons are seen as powerful and benevolent beings that bring prosperity and good luck to those who appease them. The cults and rituals associated with the worship of Onyx Dragons are often shrouded in secrecy, being punishable by death, to reveal secrets of the temples.

Many of the rituals and ceremonies associated with the worship of Onyx Dragons are performed at night, in secluded places, and are attended by only the most devout followers. Human sacrifices are considered the most extreme form of worship and are typically only performed by the most devout and secretive cults. These sacrifices are believed to appease the dragons and bring good luck to the community. However, these practices are highly controversial and are not widely accepted or condoned by the general population.

Rituals associated with the worship of Onyx Dragons vary depending on the specific cult or temple. In some cases, the offerings are made directly to the sleeping dragon within the temple, while in other cases, they are made at specific altars or shrines dedicated to the dragons. In addition to offerings and sacrifices, many rituals also involve chanting and reciting of sacred texts or prayers. Many cults also have specific rituals for specific occasions such as the new moon, harvest, or the rare birth of a new Onyx Dragon.

Temples dedicated to Onyx Dragons can be found throughout Zerrikania, and are often hidden in remote and inhospitable regions. These temples are built around the sleeping dragon, which can be mistaken for large black mineral pieces and can remain undetected for centuries. The worship of Onyx Dragons in Zerrikania is a complex and nuanced tradition that is deeply ingrained in the culture and history of the country, specially in the southern regions. Their worship is deeply intertwined with the daily lives of the people and their cult is only surpassed by that of the Chromatic Dragons. Many Zerrikanians will offer sacrifices to the dragons in the hopes of gaining their favor and protection. The sacrifices are often in the form of food, gold, or precious stones.

Despite the controversy surrounding the worship of Onyx Dragons, it continues to be a powerful and deeply ingrained part of Zerrikanian, specially southern culture. Many Zerrikanians believe that the Onyx Dragons are a vital part of their society and that their worship is necessary for the well-being of the community. The Onyx Dragons are considered to be sacred beings and their worship is seen as a sacred duty.

## Known Onyx Dragons

* Chernobog : A Onyx Dragon that lived for a time in the area of the Northern Kingdoms and Nilfgaard and then migrated to Zerrikania. He left such a mark on the Elder Races that a rune ended up bearing his name. By 1278, he would attack the Zerrikanian Spice Company Caravan in the south of the country, after he was not offered a sacrifice in his temple, because there was nothing of value to offer him so far. killing most of its members, except the witcher Putnam and Jezkier, with the bard saved by Putnam at the last moment but slaying the dragon in the process and by sheer luck. This provoked the wrath of the locals, who branded him guilty of not having saved the rest, to have pissed off their god with his presence and of wanting to keep the money he could get from the spices. This ended up causing the witcher to be captured by the authorities, tried, and crucified. Finally being released, thanks to the bard's negotiations with the ofiri diplomatic body that was present in the zone. This brought some fame to the witcher, increased by the bard, but in reality it was just that, pure luck that saved Putnam from his fate, and not his skill.

Chernobog's legacy lives on, as the story of his attack on the caravan and Putnam's subsequent trial and release continue to be told and retold throughout the land. His name is synonymous with power, danger, and intrigue, and remains a cautionary tale for dragon hunters and travelers alike, and the subsequent events surrounding the witcher Putnam, have become part of Zerrikanian folklore and legend. Many consider him to be one of the most famous and infamous Onyx Dragons to have ever existed, due to his impact on the people of Zerrikania and the surrounding regions.

* Imierro : Imierro is another known Onyx Dragon known to dwell in the Northern Realms around the 10th century. He was known for his large hoard of treasure and his intelligence and strategic thinking, which made him a formidable opponent for dragon hunters. . Imierro's hoard was said to be so large that it was said to have filled a entire cave system and the dragon was said to have been fiercely protective of it. Unlike Chernobog, Imierro was not known for being particularly aggressive or territorial, making it a less dangerous target for hunters, but still a challenging one to take down.
* Zmaj : Zmaj was an Onyx Dragon that is said to have lived in the far eastern regions of The Continent. He was known for his massive size and immense strength. His scales were said to be harder than any known metal, and his breath attack was said to be capable of destroying entire cities.
* Pozoj : Pozoj was an Onyx Dragon known for its stealth and cunning. It was known to dwell somewhere in the frontier near Haakland, and was known to be highly elusive and difficult to track. It was said to be able to camouflage itself amongst the rocks and boulders of its habitat, making it nearly impossible to spot.

## Notes

* An attempt to reconcile the Netflix version, TW3, expand the lore and keep the Slavic spirit.