Dragons

Dragons are large, typically winged creatures with large, innate aetheric potential. The stereotypical image of a dragon is a large, quadrupedal creature covered in scales with sharp claws, teeth, a long, powerful tail and neck, and large wings with which to take to the air. This is the most common configuration, but it is far from the only one; Some dragons possess thick feathers and fur instead of scales. Some, known as wyverns, do not have two extra wings on their back, but instead use their wings as their forelegs, having only four main limbs in total. And still others possess long, serpentine bodies. Dragons are, overall, exceptionally diverse, and are capable of adapting to and surviving in any environment on Malm.

## Draconic Hierarchy

Draconic creatures are organized within a hierarchy based on a combination of relative strength levels and the station one is typically afforded within society. As such, it is not completely strict - A dragonkin child of an Ancient, for example, may be considered higher on the hierarchy than other standard dragons socially due to their lineage. A lower-ranked dragon will typically show deference to the will of a higher

**Whelps > lesser dragons > kobolds > dragonkin > dragons > greater dragons > elder dragons > ancient dragons  > Bahamut**

### Bahamut

The High King of Dragons, and, according to most dragons, therefor the king of Malm itself. These claims are not without merit, for Bahamut possesses enough power as to be incomprehensible to most other races. Depending on who one were to ask, he is either the single most powerful creature on Malm, or easily within the competition for that spot.

Despite his strength, Bahamut rarely takes an interest in most mortal affairs, and instead spends his time coasting within the upper reaches of Malm's atmosphere, higher than most creatures, even other dragons, can fly. This aloof nature has lead many to believe he is little more than a legend, even amongst the younger members of dragonkind. Because of this exact depictions of the High King of Dragons can be rare, and stories and legends of his powers and supposed deeds abound.

### Ancient Dragon

Ancient Dragons are an exceptionally rare class of draconic entities that possess an extreme strength even by draconic standards, sitting second only to Bahamut himself. True to their name, Ancients have all lived for an exceptionally long time, with some rumored to have dated back as far as Malm's very creation. As such they are frequently highly revered creatures, occupying great positions of reverence or import wherever they may stake their territory,... Whenever they deign to participate in the affairs of those around them, at least. By the same token, however, an Ancient that has been moved to antagonism can make for quite the terrifying foe indeed, for who can hope to stand against them?

While the dragons themselves do not hold to such systems, the Humans and Elves of the world often liken the Ancients to the "Kings" and "Queens" of dragonkind. Whenever a legend speaks of a dragon as something akin to an incarnated deity, it is usually speaking of an Ancient, and encounters with Ancients are why many races depict the deities of Malm as draconic by default.

Monster, NPC only.

### Elder Dragon

Elder Dragons are next in the hierarchy below Ancients, and is the highest class of dragon that other races tend to be familiar with. Of the "Noble" dragons, Elders are the most likely to be encountered, if only due to their numbers being a little higher than their Ancient brethren. With much of the draconic population slumbering through the War, however, they are still fairly rare to encounter in the modern age. While not as powerful as an Ancient, an Elder is still capable of drastically altering and steering the world around them. A friendly Elder can prove to be quite the boon to those they deal with, averting famine, warding against forces of destruction, or staving of natural disasters that would otherwise wipe out a city. Conversely, having an Elder as an enemy is to invite destruction and catastrophe, as it takes no less than the sturdiest, most well-fortified cities, weapons, and armies to repel their wrath.

Were the dragons to try to translate the social position of an Elder to the royal systems used by the other races, they would most frequently be considered a "Duke" or "Duchess."

Monster, NPC only.

### Greater Dragon

Stronger and more regarded than a standard dragon, but not yet approaching the level of an Elder, Greater dragons are often treated by the outside world as simply a particularly strong, potent dragon. Monster, NPC only.

### Dragon

The average for a member of a fully sentient, higher-thinking Draconic subspecies. They tend to be quite sturdy and strong compared to the Malmian average, but are quite a far cry from the depections in legends speaking of the Ancients and Elders.

Of note, even the standard dragon possesses a strong, innate spark of magic. This most often manifests in the breath weapons the species is renowned for, but many choose to further harness this gift in some fashion or another.

Monster, NPC only.

### Dragonkin

Bipedal, humanoid dragons, or humanoids appearing as a hybrid between a dragon and another humanoid species. This particular race of draconic creature came into existence some time after the initial creation of Malm, unlike its brethren, and was amongst the first humanoid races on Malm. While it is possible for a dragonkin to come from a purely-draconic bloodline, via some combination of the original primordial dragonkin and other dragons, the vast majority descend from bloodlines that involve the hybridization of draconic and non-draconic species. Should a dragon somehow have a child with a member of any other race, the result will be a Dragonkin. However, most dragonkin are born from other dragonkin.

As a result of such pairings, dragonkin can have an exceptionally wide variety of appearances, combining the extensive variability of both dragons and the other humanoid races. Due to this wide variety, they are sometimes split further into two separate subtypes. The names for these can varry based on culture and language, but the most common terms are the "Scale-Blessed," or those that physically appear as a hybrid of a dragon and a humanoid race, and the "Scale-Bloods," those that appear to be more like bipedal dragons. Keeping with this trend, the Scale-Blessed often tend to have similar proportions to whichever non-draconic race they may resemble, though do tend to be noticeably larger, and may have an overall silhouette that shows subtle influences from their draconic side, such as those naturally attuned with the earth being a little larger and more bulky, while those attuned with water or air may be streamlined and lithe. The Scale-Bloods, conversely, tend towards much larger sizes, often reaching between eight and twelve feet in height. Their overall musculature and form is usually defined by their heritage. Those descended from the winds possess large wings, thin, aerodynamic forms, and exceptionally light body weights, for example, while those of the ice may be sturdier, well-insulated, and potentially covered in tufts of fur. However, in all cases these are but very rough averages, and one should not be surprised if they encounter a dragonkin that does not hold to these trends.

Regardless of appearance, all dragonkin are imbued with the same magical spark as most other members of the draconic family, albeit one that is significantly weakened in comparison. This gives them a very strong predilection to becoming sorcerers or other types of mages, and many dragonkin will come to be reliant on this innate magic.

Dragonkin are the species most other races are most likely to encounter, simply because some dragonkin will be the children of these races and may be raised by them. How this goes often depends on the particular race, culture, and individuals involved - Some may be revered as a blessing, others as a monstrous curse. And still others may just be the neighbor down the street that happens to have scales and wings. Dragonkin raised outside of draconic society typically have limited draconic knowledge, and may not even be fully aware of their own biology or the implications of their nature.

Monsterkin, playable race.

### Kobold

Small, diminutive creatures with a penchant for industry. A reptillian-humanoid standing at only a few feet tall, kobolds are not the tallest or most physically imposing creature in Malm. Kobolds, famously, are prone to serving other, higher-ranked draconic entities, and it is not uncommon for a dragon to seek out a small group to keep within a sort of employ. This arrangement theoretically proves beneficial for both parties - The dragon gains relatively loyal followers to perform tasks and jobs, and the kobolds gain protection and security. How much this occurs in practice is up for debate and can vary depending on the individual dragon and kobolds, yet the relationship itself often persists.

However, kobolds are capable of existing independently. In such scenarios they often construct homes within excavated tunnels and caverns within the earth, and are known for laying numerous traps to confound any would-be intruders.

Despite the often low-regard many races hold them in, kobolds are still draconic creatures, and carry the blood of dragons within them, even if they are not dragons themselves. This grants them a certain degree of often-latent magical potential. Like dragonkin, kobolds are prone to producing a disproportionate amount of sorcerers. However, the magic does not flow as strongly within their race as a whole. Outside of the sorcerers and mages that specifically utilize it, magic is not a common sight amongst the kobolds.

Monsterkin, playable race.

### Lesser Dragon

Lesser Dragons are the second to lowest class on the draconic hierarchy. Made up of the draconic creatures that are of lower strength and intellegence than the rest of dragonkind, Lessers are often more primitive or even animalistic in nature. Though the weakest class of the draconic races, they are also the most numerous, with the more common members such as Wyverns being found in abundance in certain areas.

Despite their lower intelligence, lesser dragons still respect the draconic hierarchy. It is not uncommon for them to yield to the command of a higher dragon, though they sometimes resist the efforts of kobolds and dragonkin.

Monster, NPC only.

### Whelp

Whelps are the young of a given draconic species, usually lasting from hatching to early-mid childhood. Thus this class is not truely a set of species in and of itself, but represents the low strength and social standing the young may have. They are, after all, still fresh out of their shells!

Of course, this does not mean that whelps are not often jealously guarded and protected. More than one would-be dragonnapper has discovered first-hand the fury an angry dragon mother can bring...

Monster, NPC only.

## Draconic Origins

When the gods created Malm and its first inhabitants, dragons took on the role of stewardship. The ageless dragons, that measured time in decades, centuries, or even millennia, took this job quite seriously, guiding the world to ensure Malm flourished.

Dragons, wise and with an affinity with magick, actively opposed the reign of dinosaurs, bestial creatures that preyed upon the weaker races and relied more on brute force and durability, with no affinity for magick. It was through the dragons' intervention that dinosaurs were pushed to the limited spaces of the world they now occupy.

Over time, grand cities were established, with disparate peoples that would gather under the dragons' banner, where grand libraries would form to house all their collective knowledge. The depiction of the Six as various forms of Dragon likely dates back to this age

In time, the elves and the dwarves were born unto Malm, and after several events that acted as catalysts, eventually became a source of great concern for the dragons, and as these races exploded in population, the task of guiding them began to wear upon some. They looked out at the state of the world and realized that the role of stewardship would be all-consuming if things remained at their current pace; and some began to feel they were giving up their individual freedoms to fulfill this role. The dragons debated their concerns, and the topic would grow divisive. The idea of eradication was put forth by a particular Ancient Dragon; one who would take others of like mind to settle in Draxington, and eventually become the first Shadow Lord.

A significant portion of dragons resisted this idea, stating that, even if destructive, the dwarves and the elves were still creations of the gods. More than that, they were yet young, without the experience to know better. Their right to live and grow must be assured.

Still others would claim that this was an overreach. That the two races were still a part of the world, and that it was wrong for the dragons to interfere so extensively.

Others simply didn't care, and found the elves and dwarves simply unworthy of their attention.

The argument would continue to grow more and more heated, until it would entirely fracture draconic society. Those wishing to exterminate the dwarves and elves would launch a campaign, using their might to wipe settlements from the map. Those believing the races must be protected, began to push back, against their compatriots before their awful task could be completed. Thus the cohesion was fractured.

Seeing the conflict would not simply go away, the king of dragons, Bahamut, the most powerful and ruler of all draconics, made a declaration: The two warring sides would settle their disagreement elsewhere, whilst the vast majority of dragons, those who did not wish to become embroiled, would hide themselves away and enter into a long, deep sleep - awaiting an end to the conflict.

So it would seem that draconic society appeared to weaken and crumble, fading away as the dragons warred or slept. In truth, the dragons still hold fast to their claim on Malm, and fully believe the world to be theirs to guide and shape. They are merely engaged in a brief dispute - After all, what are a few thousand, or even a million, years to them? One day the fighting will cease, and the dragons will awaken. They shall reclaim their rightful place as Malm's stewards.

## Notable Draconic Locations

Several locations are forever tinged with the influence of draconics.

### The Floating Isles

On the Floating Isles exists a grand city rebuilt by dragonkin. They strictly refuse any non-draconics from entry, viewing the city as their last bastion from the chaos and corruption of the world below. As such, the residents are limited to dragonkin and smaller dragons. The floating isles are also rumored to be the home of cabbits as well, that live alongside the draconics to protect their home.

### Draxington

Draxington is a wild and chaotic place, and as a result the draconic presence is much more evenly dispersed. Still, they often tend to keep to themselves, leading to isolated settlements or camps that only occasionally interacts with the rest of the area. There are rumors that there exists a Draxington counterpart to the city on the Isles, but if it exists the locals are loathe to reveal such, and no outsiders have ever managed to find it.

## Notable Draconic & Lineages

* Bahamut, the King of Dragons - The High King of Dragons. See the entry under "Draconic Appearance & Hierarchy"

* Tiamet, Ancient Leader of the Daughters of Tiamet

* Nidhoggr, Ancient Leader of the Sons of Nidhogg

* Rel'Grir Svantniff, Elder of Winds, with a particular focus and fondness on freedom and independence. One of the few neutral dragons presently awake and active, she prefers to observe that which manages her interest. Gregarious and friendly, she often quite enjoys talking with others.
	+ Sla'thir "Slifar" Svantniff, Dragonkin Archmage. Runs the local branch of the Mage's Guild, and serves as a wealth of knowledge and teaching. Draws many mannerisms from her mother, including her strong valuing of one's individuality.

* Yolbriinah, Dragonkin "Princess"

## Draconic Weaknesses

* Elemental Bane - Draconic creatures that develop an elemental affinity will find themselves more physically effected by their element's weakness. An ice dragon, with their thick natural insulation to the cold, is not a fan of being blasted with fires that may cause them to overheat.
	+ Many dragons can compensate when in unfavorable environments by utilizing their magic, but there are limits to how far this can go.
* Flame of Magic - With magic such a core part of their very beings, dragons do not appreciate magic-dampening or anti-magic effects. While it may be more difficult to contain their greater magic, doing so successfully not only inhibits their spellcasting, but may also affect them on a physical level. Completely nullifying magic around a dragon can make them physically ill until the block is removed.
* Timeless - Dragons, being ageless and capable of living for untold aeons, experience time in a wholly different way to most other races. This leads to perspectives that may not be compatible with many other races - What is a century or two, after all, when you have so very many of them ahead of you?
	+ A knock-on effect of this is that dragons often struggle with producing and managing temporal-based effects operating on the same timescales as other races.

## Draconic Benefits

* Dragonkin, Dragons, Greater Dragons, Elder Dragons, and Ancient Dragons are able to attune and communicate with echo stones and crystals without requiring a physical echo crystal in their possession.
	+ Elder and Ancient dragons are potent enough to serve as an echo stone themselves, giving them a strong ability to both inhibit and enhance an echo network within their rather wide range of influence.
	+ Most dragonkin raised outside of draconic society are wholly unaware of this capability, and thus still utilize physical crystals
* Able to intrinsically understand and communicate in Draconic, an ancient language formed by a mix of primal draconic vocalizations and higher phonetics.
	+ Lesser dragons are only capable of rough, primitive communication, if any at all, and may not be able to convey complex ideas.
	+ Elder and Ancient dragons communicate purely telepathically, projecting their thoughts into the minds of any listeners and bypassing the need for a language altogether. Their words manifest as if they were speaking clearly and comfortably next to the person, in whichever language the target happens to speak best.
* Flame of Magic - Most draconic creatures carry an innate font of magic within them. Magic comes naturally to them, and their natural aether reserves are far higher than other creatures.
* Elemental Affinity - Most draconic creatures at the "Dragonkin" and higher levels on the hierarchy develop a natural elemental affinity with their magic. Those that do find themselves tuned to this element on a physical level - Those attuned to the waters will find themselves growing to be excellent swimmers and divers, while those attuned to the earth my find themselves growing sturdier and more adept at digging and burrowing.
* Ageless - Dragons higher than Kobolds generally do not physically age, and may live for exceptional periods of time.

## FAQ

**Can other races learn draconic?**

Draconic in its most natural form is largely made up of natural draconic vocalizations that can be difficult, if not impossible, for other races to emulate. To account for this need for communication those who treated with the ancient dragonkin developed a dialect that utilizes phonetics that can be more universally spoken. Most dragonkin still use the original version of the language, but can generally understand the newer dialect with a little learning.