Dragons

Dragons are a race of ancient creatures which are said to be some of the first creatures to appear on Penastria. Dragons are massive creatures with four legs and wide wingspans, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are inherently magical beings, possessing a primal connection to the weave which many believe is what allows them to grow to such size.

It is also noted that dragons tend to grow more powerful as they age, both in raw, physical might, and in mental and magical abilities. While a newly hatched wyrmling can be dispatched by a small party of novice adventurers, an ancient dragon can single-handedly defeat an entire army. Many possess an innate connection to the elements, usually represented by their breath weapon, however it is not uncommon for older dragons to be formidable spellcasters.

The naming convention for dragons is usually tied to the colour of their scales, as seen in the most common lineages (chromatics and metallics), however there are a few exceptions to this rule as is seen in those dragons which have been mutated through extraplanar influence.

## Draconic Subspecies

The draconic family is vast, is made up of numerous types of dragons, and also includes dragonkin. The two major divisions of dragons are referred to as either "True Dragons" and "Lesser Dragons", this distinction is related to the nature of their creation, as well as their inherent power and intellect. The species of dragons which are prevalent nowadays can trace their lineage to the divine realm of Ashagoras, commonly referred to as the Plane of Dragons. The holy scripture of the Draconic Empire, believed that dragons were spawned from a great storm in the centre of the plane, however, after the Astral Fracture a large number of dragons migrated to Penastria. Over time, changes would begin to appear throughout different generations of dragons, with hatchlings becoming more and more feral the further down a generation one goes. The reason behind this is largely unknown, some have attributed it to the intermingling of dragons with other creatures, others believe that it may be due to their connection to the weave weakening. It is also believed that this is what led to the birth of dragonnels and wyverns, which are a noticeably more feral and physically smaller race of dragonkin. Although it is important to note that in the case of the latter, they still possess their ancestors' ability to grow larger and fiercer the older they get.

### True Dragons

**Chromatic Dragons.** Distinguished by the solid, non-reflective colouring of their scales, chromatic dragons are renowned for their imposing physical might as well as a more developed connection to their respective element.

**Metallic Dragons.** Distinguished by the lustrous colouring of their scales which is similar to various metals, metallic dragons while not typically as physically endowed as their chromatic cousins, possess a far deeper connection to the weave allowing many of them to more easily channel it and cast powerful spells.

**Gem Dragons.** Distinguished by their crystalline scales, gem dragons are a rare subspecies of dragons which are said to possess strange psionic abilities. They are also not really tied to the elements in any way, with many of them possessing strange breath weapons that channel more extraplanar powers such as blasts of radiant energy.

**Elemental Dragons.** These dragons are not commonly distinguished by the colours or materials of their scales, rather these dragons are differentiated through their preferred element. These dragons have been heavily exposed to the powers of the Elemental Plane, which has led to them exhibiting potent mutations. Moreso than their chromatic cousins, these dragons manifest powerful elemental abilities to the point where even their physical form is said to embody their respective element. Less than a handful of these dragons have ever been sighted, leading many to believe that they are one of the rarer subspecies.

### Lesser Dragons

**Deep Dragons.** A distant cousin to the chromatic dragons, deep dragons are distinguished by their scaleless skin which is typically grey and covered in fungi. They are typically found within the Underdark, and have evolved in order to thrive in this subterranean realm. While they are blind, they have an extremely well-developed sense of hearing and smell, and have been known to exhale spores which addle the mind.

**Drakes.** An extremely common subspecies of dragon, drakes possess a very distant relation to true dragons. They are much smaller than their cousins, and far more simple-minded. However, they are far easier to train, which is why they are commonly used as mounts or in the service of a true dragon. It is also important to note that drakes do not possess wings and therefore cannot fly.

**Dragon Turtles.** A rare subspecies, dragon turtles possess many noticeable physical differences when compared to their kin. Firstly, their wings have been replaced by massive, spiked flippers that allow them to quickly swim through the oceans where they commonly reside. In addition, they have a rough shell which is usually mossy green in colour which provides them with protection and allows them to more easily hide in the deep oceans where they dwell.

**Dragonnels.** Commonly found in Devior, dragonnels are a relatively common subspecies which is most often trained and used as mounts by the inhabitants of the region. They are graceful creatures with scales that come in a variety of colours but are usually matte. While they are simple-minded creatures, they are extremely loyal and are known to form a lifelong connection with their rider.

**Pseudodragons.** Small and playful by nature, pseudodragons are a subspecies of lesser dragons which while nowhere as physically imposing as their cousins, are noticeably smarter. Because of this they are prized as familiars, and many can be found in service to mages.

**Wyverns.** Distantly related to dragons, wyverns are normally far more feral and are distinguished that they only possess a pair of hind legs, as opposed to the four legs seen in true dragons. They have a poisonous stinger, and come in a variety of colours. They are notoriously difficult to train due to their unruly nature and because of this are rarely ever used as mounts. While they tend to possess a more feral nature, wyverns are noted to become larger and smarter as they grow older, with some of them showing the capacity to develop breath weapons.

### Related Creatures

**Abishai.** A rare type of dragonkin, the abishai first began to appear in Azeir after the region's destruction. Sometimes referred to as draconic angels, these creatures possess a resemblance to gargoyles, appearing as thin reptilian creatures they come in a variety of colours and are deeply bound to the weave with the more powerful ones among them possessing the ability to reform in Azeir if they are killed.

**Draconians.** A recently created type of dragonkin, draconians came into being after the Silver Host overthrew the Draconic Empire, the exact methods of their creations are unknown although it is believed that they were once humans who were forcibly transformed in order to serve their draconic masters.

**Dragonborn.** A humanoid race of draconic creatures, the dragonborn are said to be descendants of the ancient dragons which were created to serve their draconic masters. They are commonly found in Devior and the Pyrean westerlands, they come in a variety of colours and possess many draconic qualities.

**Kobolds.** Possessing a distant relation to dragons, kobolds are a race of small draconic humanoids which are native to Devior. Their scaled skin is typically reddish brown in colour, although some variations in colour have been noted. They tend to revere dragons as divine beings, with some of them manifesting powers which embody their draconic lineage.

## History

Dragons have been found all over Penastria, from the distant tundras of Phalos to the humid jungles of Chultan. They are a widespread race of creatures, however their greatest influence has been in the regions of Azeir, Devior and the Pyrean Peninsula. A group of ancient dragons are said to have established an empire that spanned throughout Azeir and deep into Devior. However, this empire would collapse due to an event known as the Calamity of Azeir.

The region was hit with a bevy of natural disasters which devastated the empire and led to a division in its people. Some followed the remaining ancient dragons deeper inland and established a new nation in Devior. Others sailed across the Northern Ocean and established the Draconic Empire in the Pyrean Westerlands. The Draconic Empire while not ruled by dragons, very much still revered dragonkind, although many of its draconic inhabitants were classified as lesser dragons.

In the year 1083 AoD, a trio of ancient chromatic dragons were unleashed upon the Imperial county of Wissenland, these dragons seemed to lack any ambition beyond establishing their own independent lairs. Therefore, they went their separate ways wreaking untold havoc on the county, and while a group of adventurers did attempt to rally the inhabitants in a last desperate defence, they were ultimately unsuccessful in defeating the dragons and their present whereabouts are unknown.

This would not be the only time that the Draconic Empire faced the threat of dragons however. As they were once more faced with calamity in the year 1954 AoD, when a dragon cult known as the Silver Host would usurp the imperial dynasty, while under the leadership of a trio of ancient metallic dragons. These dragons would then install their champion as the new emperor while they worked to undermine and quash any remaining loyalists. Their reign would be short-lived however, lasting only four years before a rift to the Dread Abyss was opened within the Midden and their plans brought to ruins by the ensuing demonic invasion.

## Notable Dragons

**Caelmut, The Red.** An ancient red dragon that was unleashed in the imperial county of Wissenland alongside his two brethren. The dragon would bend a host of beastmen to his will and unleash them on the populace of the Abandoned City. A group of heroes attempted to rally the defenders against the threat but would ultimately fail. The dragon burned the city to the ground and then disappeared through a portal. His current whereabouts are unknown.

**Raheshtaya, The White.** An ancient white dragon that was unleashed in the imperial county of Wissenland alongside her two brethren. The dragon established a lair in the ruins of the orcish camps, where she began to turn the surroundings into a frozen tundra. She would later be defeated by a group of adventurers led by Sora before finally being sealed away in a brass gauntlet given to him by the Golden Dragon God, Thraxis. The gauntlet was lost after Sora's death, and its current whereabouts are unknown.

**Zanzibar, The Green.** An ancient green dragon that was unleashed in the imperial county of Wissenland alongside his two brethren. The dragon attempted to single-handedly storm the Wissenland Fortress but was swiftly repelled by the immense amount of arcane wards present. After this, the dragon disappeared and his current whereabouts are unknown.

**Mazereth, The Silver Tyrant.** An ancient silver dragon, Mazereth was the leader of the Silver Host and the one who pushed Julius to usurp the Draconic Empire. Following the Silver Host's victory, Mazereth allowed Julius to rule as emperor all the while utilizing his draconic brethren to solidify his rule. The Silver Tyrant would eventually fall at the hands of the Lifemother after the latter opened the rift into the Dread Abyss.

**Zahdaar, The Copper Hunger.** An ancient copper dragon, Zahdaar was one of Mazereth's most trusted lieutenants, known for his viciousness, the Copper Hunger was sent to pacify the northern imperial counties. The dragon and his forces encountered stiff resistance, especially within the wilderness of the Talbecberge. The dragon's forces would later be forced to return to the Middenhorst after the rift was opened and would later be slain by the Chaos Weaver's forces after the latter instigated a demonic uprising in Freyen.

**Uldral, The Flame of Mazereth.** An ancient brass dragon, Uldral was one of Mazereth's most trusted lieutenants and his mate. She was known for her tactical mind and skills as a military leader. Due to this, she was tasked with pacifying the imperial armies that were preparing for war against the Eastern Alliance along the Rimoulk. Uldral's forces were met with immense success however were forced to return to the Middenhorst after the rift was opened. Uldral would ultimately meet her demise at the hands of an avatar of Baphomet in the wilderness outside Vendermunde.

**Nurvidyn, The Forgemaster.** An ancient flame dragon, Nurvidyn was trapped beneath the Mourning Peaks centuries ago. Bound in service to Kossuth, the elemental dragon served as a mentor to the first dwarves of the Mournholds, teaching them the craft of elemental runesmithing. He met the Heroes of Ankararam when the party was traversing the dwarven roads and bestowed a weapon and a boon upon the cleric of Severus, Markus.