The Aether Drakes are among the most venerated and ancient beings in the annals of creation, crafted during the Second Age: Twilight of Creation to safeguard the cosmos and aid in The Aeonic Struggle against the Elementari. Created in the radiant image of Zirael (aka Goldbrand) the Archon of Air, and given life from the elemental essence of Aether, the Unknown God of Air, they became the embodiment of wisdom, harmony, and the ethereal connection between the planes.
Origins
Forged by Unknown, the Aether Drakes were designed not only as mighty warriors to counteract the chaos wrought by the Elementari but also as custodians of the Ether, the delicate lattice of arcane magic that permeates existence. Their connection to the Plane of Zephyron, the endless skies and storms from which Aether draws his power, granted them unmatched mastery over the skies and the mystical energies that flow through the Riftways.
The Aether Drakes were pivotal in maintaining the balance between the elements, their task extending to safeguarding the Etherstone, a cornerstone of magical energy anchored within the secluded island of Aerenal. This sacred artifact, a gift of Aether’s essence, served as the nexus of the Ether's energies and was critical to the stability of magic and balance across the continuum.
Species of Aether Drake
Aether Drakes are distinguished by their gold and silver scales, representing the duality of their purpose and their divine lineage:
- Golden Dragon - Radiant and resplendent, the golden Aether Drakes symbolize purity and the brilliance of the Ether. Their shimmering scales refract light into celestial hues, marking them as guardians of creation and harmony.
- Silver Dragon - Ethereal and wise, the silver Aether Drakes embody clarity and the mysteries of the arcane. Their moonlit scales reflect the subtle ebb and flow of the Ether, enabling them to manipulate magic with precision and grace.
Both forms exude an aura of serenity and reverence, their presence a testament to their celestial origin.
Archon of The Aether
At the head of the Aether Drakes was Zirael the Archon of Air, the greatest and most revered of their kind. A golden dragon of immeasurable power and wisdom, Zirael is considered the living embodiment of the Ether itself. His teachings formed the foundation of all Ether-Rifting knowledge, and his presence continues to inspire reverence among the Vanir of Aerenal.
Even in the modern age, Zirael remains a figure of myth and legend, a protector of the arcane and a symbol of the unbroken bond between the Ether and its stewards. It is said that his ethereal wings still stir the winds of Aerenal, and his gaze watches over those who seek to preserve the balance of magic.
Legacy and Mythology
The Aether Drakes served as mentors to the Vanir, the High Elves of Tolria and Aerenal, sculpting them in Helios’s image to become masters and protectors of the Ether. Through the Vanir, the drakes imparted the knowledge of Ether-Rifting, ensuring that the flow of magic would remain steady and the Riftways would endure.
However, their benevolence was met with betrayal during the Third Age, when the Vanir of Itelion, under the corrupting influence of Malekith, turned against their creators. Manipulated by ambition and whispered promises of untold power, the Vanir waged war on the Aether Drakes in The Riftfire Rebellion, wielding Rift Magic as a weapon of destruction. Many drakes fell during this uprising, their divine forms sundered by the very magic they had taught.
Despite this, the Vanir of Aerenal remained loyal, rejecting the rebellion and dedicating themselves to protecting the Etherstone. These Vanir, guided by the teachings of Zirael, established The Elden Council to uphold the draconic legacy and preserve the sanctity of the Ether.
Though diminished in number and presence, the descendants of the Aether Drakes still carry their divine spark. Mist Drakes and other lesser draconic forms retain fragments of their progenitors' power, while the knowledge and wisdom of the Aether Drakes live on in the arcane traditions of the Vanir.
To this day, the Vanir of Aerenal and the Avatars of Air continue to honor the legacy of the Aether Drakes, drawing upon their teachings to safeguard the Ether and protect the Prime Plane from the chaos of unbridled magic.
The Aether Drakes, though betrayed by many of their creations, remain eternal symbols of harmony, wisdom, and the unyielding will to protect the balance of existence.