1. Races

Draconian

Draconic

Draconian Races

Draconians trace their lineage back to the celestial titan Eizzoath, revered as the First Dragon, who spawned a diverse array of dragonic species on the majestic world of Talmar. These creatures, known for their mythical prowess, have left an indelible mark on both their homeland and the mortal realm of Midora.

True Dragons

At the pinnacle of draconian hierarchy stand the True Dragons, direct descendants of the celestial titan Eizzoath and bearing the likeness of their progenitor. Led by the venerable celestial matriarch Azyroth, these majestic beings command awe and respect throughout the cosmos. True Dragons are characterized by their four powerful legs, a pair of majestic wings, and formidable tails, embodying both physical prowess and arcane mastery.

The Prime Dragons

Azyroth, in her divine wisdom, bestowed life upon the Prime Dragons, the first of their kind, each representing a primal aspect of power and magic. These Prime Dragons serve as the progenitors and rulers of their respective draconic subfamilies, guiding and shaping their destinies across the ages:

  • Syphira the Empathetic: Matriarch of the graceful Silver Dragons.
    Silver dragons are renowned for their regal and lawful good nature, they are known to assume humanoid forms and dwell among humans and elves, their breath weapon a chilling cone of freezing cold. Preferring diplomacy over conflict, they seldom engage in battle unless compelled. Typically found lairing in mountainous regions, they possess keen intellect and wisdom. In Rivermond, they hold a legendary status.

  • Cyrax the Unyielding: Patriarch of the solitary Sapphire Dragons.
    Sapphire dragons are territorial, militaristic dragons who normally lived in the Underdark, and considered all the evil races of the Underdark their enemies. The majority of their diet was composed of giant spiders. Their breath weapon was a blast of noise that caused panic. Because of their sparkling, multi-blue-colored scales, they were sometimes mistaken for blue dragons.

  • Olivion the Observer: Matriarch of the reclusive Emerald Dragons.
    Emerald dragons, characterized by their reclusive nature and penchant for order, possess a keen curiosity for history, yet harbor deep-seated paranoia and suspicion towards outsiders. They diligently ward off intruders through a combination of cunningly set traps within their lairs and the formidable force of their breath weapon, a formidable gust of wind. Adorned in scales spanning various hues of green, their mesmerizing appearance imparts an illusion of perpetual motion, adding to their enigmatic allure.

  • Zalthar the Wise: Patriatch of the neutral Amethyst Dragons.
    Amethyst dragons, epitomizing neutrality and logic, boast lavender skin adorned with crystalline scales. Their formidable breath weapon unleashes a potent blast of concussive force, while their remarkable ability to burrow into the earth adds to their enigmatic nature. Revered as the pinnacle among gem dragons, they command unmatched power and intellect.

  • Argoros the Evenhanded: Patriach of the inquisitive Bronze Dragons.
    Bronze dragons embody curiosity alongside a formidable demeanor, drawn to conflict with a profound interest in warfare. Their innate inclination is to combat evil, readily aligning themselves with righteous forces, often assuming humanoid forms to bolster the ranks of noble armies. Bound by a code of lawful goodness, these dragons typically inhabit coastal regions, their presence marked by the crackle of electrical energy as they unleash their breath weapon upon adversaries.

  • Caelum the Observant: Patriarch of the social Brass Dragons.
    Brass dragons exude a penchant for chatter and revel in the scorching embrace of desert climates. They are notorious for entangling both adversaries and allies in marathon dialogues, relishing in verbal exchanges that span hours. Preferring to sidestep conflict whenever feasible, they wield their breath weapon—a potent cone of soporific gas—to pacify adversaries when compelled to defend themselves. While they rank as the least formidable among the revered metallic dragon kin, their alignment remains steadfastly chaotic good.

  • Drak'xar the Enlightened: Patriarch of the social Steel Dragons.
    Steel dragons exhibit sociable, clever, and curious traits, favoring the companionship of humanoids over their draconic kin. Often clandestine residents of humanoid settlements, they frequently adopt humanoid forms, blending seamlessly into urban environments. Generally adhering to a lawful neutral or lawful good alignment, these dragons wield a potent defense in the form of a poisonous gas cone.
  • Baifo the Dawnbringer: Patriarch of the illustrious Gold Dragons.
    Gold dragons embody wisdom and a strict adherence to law and goodness, stand as noble adversaries of evil and injustice. Known for their reclusive nature and vast knowledge, they often dwell in stone lairs, utilizing their formidable cone of fire as a breath weapon. Despite their rarity, they frequently feature in fictional tales and legends, their majestic presence capturing the imaginations of storytellers and adventurers alike.

  • Vorathor the Dominator: Matriarch of the enigmatic Black Dragons.
    Black dragons are the most malevolent and vicious among chromatic dragons, Black Dragons are adept swimmers, often dwelling in the murky depths of swamps and marshes where they excel in ambush tactics. Possessing a corrosive acid breath weapon, they strike fear into the hearts of their prey. However, their once-common sightings in Rivermond have dwindled drastically, a consequence of relentless pursuit by questing Knights seeking to rid the land of their dark presence.

  • Typheron the Treasured One: Patriarch of the mighty Red Dragons. 
    Red dragons are renowned for their insatiable greed and chaotic evil nature, prioritize their own well-being, vanity, and the expansion of their vast treasure hoards. Towering over their chromatic brethren, they exude supreme confidence, being the largest and most formidable among their kind. Predominantly dwelling in mountainous territories, they unleash their fiery breath in a devastating cone. While prevalent in their juvenile form, they are frequently pursued for glory and renown across the continent of Agera, yet few ever survive to reach adulthood in the perilous lands of Rivermond.

  • Sermonis the Green Glade Lord: Patriarch of the verdant Green Dragons.
    Green dragons are known for their territorial nature and love of secrets, dwell within the forests, embodying deception and intrigue. Despite their alignment as lawful evil, they are cunning adversaries who relish combat, ranking as the third most powerful among chromatic dragons. Their breath weapon, a cone of poisonous green gas, adds to their formidable arsenal. Predominantly depicted in Rivermond, their territories face decline due to ongoing dragon hunting activities.

  • Chronus the Timeless: Patriarch of the elusive Yellow Dragons.
    Yellow dragons are enigmatic beings of esoteric knowledge and mystical prowess, stand as envoys of the arcane mysteries that permeate the cosmos. Revered for their mastery over time and fate, these celestial dragons embody the very essence of wisdom and foresight. With their radiant scales gleaming like the sun's golden rays, Yellow Dragons command respect and awe, their presence a beacon of enlightenment to those who seek to unravel the secrets of the universe. Guardians of ancient lore and custodians of cosmic balance, they traverse the celestial realms with a grace and majesty that transcends mortal understanding, leaving only echoes of their profound wisdom in their wake.

  • Memrenth the Lonely Wind: Patriarch of the frosty White Dragons.
    White dragons are the smallest and weakest among the classic chromatic dragons, belied their diminutive stature with formidable capabilities, particularly within their arctic habitats where their prowess was unmatched. Possessing exceptional memories, they were uniquely adapted to their icy domains, yet their feral nature and inherent chaotic evil alignment set them apart from their more civilized counterparts. Their breath weapon, a chilling cone of ice or frost, struck fear into the hearts of those who dared to cross their path.

  • Uruzamon the Master of the Maelstrom: Patriarch of the elusive Blue Dragons. 
    Blue dragons are notorious for their manipulative nature and adherence to lawful evil tendencies among the chromatic dragons, are infamous for their mastery of creating hallucinations and their ruthless exploitation of such illusions. Thriving in arid wastelands and deserts, they favor aerial combat, where they can employ their potent electrical breath weapon with deadly efficiency. While they rank as the second most powerful among the chromatics, Blue Dragons are relatively uncommon in the western regions of Rivermond, yet sightings have been reported in the eastern territories near the desert borders.

Subspecies of True Dragons

Each Prime Dragon, possessing divine essence and ancient wisdom, fostered a myriad of lesser True Dragons, imbuing them with traits and characteristics unique to their lineage. These subspecies, ranging from the ethereal Moonlight Dragons to the resplendent Sunlight Dragons, serve as the vibrant threads in the intricate tapestry of draconic kind. Guided by their Prime progenitors, these dragons play essential roles in maintaining the delicate balance of power and magic that defines the draconian cosmos. The Sunlight Dragons, born from the lineage of Gold Dragons, exude majesty and radiance as they bask in the warm embrace of sunlight, embodying the nobility and grace of their ancestors. Meanwhile, the elusive Moonlight Dragons, descendants of Silver Dragons, navigate the night sky with ethereal grace, their presence shrouded in mystery and intrigue. 

Diversification and Adaptation

The legacy of the True Dragons extends beyond mere lineage, as countless subspecies emerge to adapt to ever-changing environments and challenges. Red Dragons, relentlessly hunted by ambitious mortals, birthed a plethora of adaptations, including the rugged Hill Dragons, the resilient Mountainback Dragons, and the formidable Ironscale Dragons. Among them, the fiery Magma Dragons emerged as living embodiments of volcanic fury, their molten breath capable of reshaping the very earth. From the verdant domains of the Green Dragons sprang forth the common Swamp Dragons, masters of marsh and bog, alongside the diminutive yet tenacious Scalehound Dragons, their keen senses attuned to the slightest disturbance in their domain. The Blue Dragons, guardians of the skies and deserts, ushered forth the mighty Thunder Dragons, the Kalamar Longnecks, and the agile Snapping Dragons, each embodying a unique aspect of elemental power and prowess. And many others that are yet to be discovered.

Legacy and Influence

True Dragons, with their cunning intellect and mastery of arcane arts, wield unparalleled influence across the realms. From serving as advisors to kings and rulers to shaping the very fabric of reality through their potent magic, these magnificent creatures are revered as both guardians and arbiters of destiny, their actions echoing through the annals of history and myth alike.

Wyverns

Wyverns, descendants of the primal proto-wyvern Gargaros, embody a raw and untamed aspect of draconian lineage. Possessing two powerful legs, a formidable pair of wings, and a muscular tail, Wyverns lack the innate magical prowess of their True Dragon counterparts. Instead, they rely on sheer physical strength and unmatched swiftness to dominate the skies and hunt their prey. What truly sets Wyverns apart is their tendency to hunt and live in packs, forming formidable aerial squadrons that strike fear into the hearts of their adversaries. Their presence often evokes a sense of trepidation among mortals, who instinctively understand that where one Wyvern lurks, others are likely to follow.

The Elder Wyverns

The first of their kind and direct descendants of Gargaros, stand as perpetual beings who have carved their own path through the cosmos. Often at odds with their True Dragon cousins, these ancient creatures command respect and awe with their raw power and primal might. Led by patriarchs and matriarchs who embody the essence of their elemental domain. While magical abilities are rare among Wyverns, the lineage of Nauzzagin presents a notable exception, showcasing the potential for arcane mastery even within this fiercely primal lineage. Despite their lack of magical prowess, the Elder Wyverns' dominance in the skies and their unyielding tenacity make them formidable adversaries, ensuring their place as titans of the draconic cosmos.

  • Rexaurus: Patriarch of Storm Wyverns
  • Dantigor: Patriarch of Frost Wyverns
  • Maartai: Matriarch of Fire Wyverns
  • Netheroth: Matriarch of Shadow Wyverns
  • Nauzzagin: Patriarch of Arcane Wyverns

Diverse Subspecies under Elder Wyvern Influence

Over the centuries, each Elder Wyvern has spawned a multitude of subspecies, each adapted to thrive in diverse ecosystems and even within mortal societies. While some of these lesser wyverns may only endure for a generation or two, others have firmly entrenched themselves within the natural order, becoming integral parts of their respective ecosystems. Among these, a select few have even been tamed and utilized by mortals as mounts or beasts of war, their formidable strength and predatory instincts harnessed for various purposes.

Survival of the Fittest

Unlike their True Dragon counterparts, the Elder Wyverns do not harbor the same sense of care or concern for their descendants. Instead, they adhere to a strict code of survival of the fittest, where strength and power reign supreme. This ethos ensures that only the strongest and most dominant wyverns rise to prominence within their respective territories. Lesser wyverns, while possessing their own unique traits and abilities, generally defer to more powerful individuals, forming hierarchies based on strength and dominance. However, this does not mean that all wyverns submit passively; some may stand their ground and fiercely challenge any intruders encroaching upon their territory or threatening their hunting grounds, resulting in fierce battles for dominance and supremacy.

Wild Wyverns and Mortal Interaction

Despite the influence of the Elder Wyverns, there exist certain subspecies deemed "wild" Wyverns, untethered by the sway of their progenitors and driven solely by their instincts. These offshoots, often regarded with caution by both draconic and mortal populations, represent a formidable force of nature, untamed and unpredictable. Mortals, recognizing the danger posed by these wild Wyverns, often seek to tame them, both to harness their power and to avoid drawing the attention of the Elder Wyverns. Yet, the process is fraught with peril, as these creatures remain fiercely independent and resistant to domestication, reminding all who encounter them of the untamed essence of the draconic spirit.

Star Dragons

The Star Dragons, shrouded in mystery and traversing the vast expanses of the cosmos, stand as a rare and enigmatic branch of draconian lineage. Born from the celestial titan Eizzoath, these magnificent beings represent a convergence of cosmic energies and arcane mysteries, their existence transcending mortal comprehension. At the heart of their lineage lies Zerapheen, revered as The Falling Star and hailed as their first and most revered progenitor.

Arcane Essence Incarnate

Unlike their terrestrial counterparts, the Star Dragons possess a nature that is more akin to the arcane forces that shape the universe rather than flesh and blood. Their forms shimmer with celestial radiance, their movements graceful and ethereal as they traverse the endless expanse of the cosmos. Veiled in shimmering starlight, they elude mortal understanding, leaving only awe and speculation in their wake. Mortals who catch glimpses of these celestial beings are often left spellbound, their minds grappling to comprehend the sheer majesty and otherworldly beauty of the Star Dragons.

Awe-Inspiring Speculation

Throughout the annals of history, tales of encounters with Star Dragons have captivated the imaginations of scholars, adventurers, and storytellers alike. Some whisper of celestial beings descending from the heavens to bestow wisdom upon the worthy, while others speak of cosmic battles waged among the stars, with the fate of entire worlds hanging in the balance. Yet, for all the myths and legends that surround them, the true nature and purpose of the Star Dragons remain veiled in mystery, their presence in the cosmos serving as a constant reminder of the boundless wonders and untamed mysteries that await those who dare to explore the furthest reaches of existence.

Sea Wyrms

In the dark cold depths of the oceans, the Sea Wyrms reign supreme as gargantuan and serpentine beings, embodying the primal forces that churn beneath the waves. Their origins, shrouded in myth and legend, evoke a sense of awe and reverence among those who dare to venture into the watery abyss. Devoid of limbs and wings, these creatures are more akin to living embodiments of the ocean itself, wielding power and majesty beyond mortal comprehension.

Solitary Guardians of the Depths

Sea Wyrms, solitary by nature, prefer the solitude of the deep sea, avoiding unnecessary conflicts with other denizens of the oceanic realm. They possess a remarkable ability to lay dormant on the seafloor for weeks on end, their massive forms blending seamlessly with the oceanic landscape. Among mortals, it is widely believed that Sea Wyrms never cease growing, their immense size and age instilling a sense of dread and fascination. Tales abound of their cannibalistic tendencies, with rumors circulating of larger and older Sea Wyrms devouring smaller and younger ones that dare disturb their territories. Legends among sailors speak of Sea Wyrms as guardians of untold treasures hidden amidst the depths of the seas. These tales fuel the imaginations of adventurers and fortune-seekers, drawing them to the perilous depths in search of riches beyond measure.

Might Through Magnitude

While lacking in inherent magical abilities, Sea Wyrms wield a different kind of power — one born from their sheer size and elemental might. These majestic beings possess the ability to unleash natural disasters upon the world above, their movements capable of stirring the very depths of the ocean and giving rise to cataclysmic events such as tsunamis and tempests. While most Sea Wyrms prefer the depths of the ocean as their domain, some lesser individuals may venture onto land in rare instances, leaving destruction in their wake as they heed the call of their primal instincts. Despite their awe-inspiring power and fearsome reputation, the true nature and purpose of the Sea Wyrms remain as enigmatic as the depths they inhabit, leaving mortals to ponder the mysteries of the abyss.

Other Draconians

Beyond the realms of True Dragons, Wyverns, Star Dragons, and Sea Wyrms, the world of Talmar and the mortal realm of Midroa teem with a myriad of minor draconian races, each carving out their niche within specific ecosystems and cultural landscapes.

Drakes

Akin to True Dragons in their four-limbed structure but lacking wings, inhabit various corners of Talmar and Midroa. These elusive beings possess a curious nature, often roaming the wilderness in search of knowledge and adventure. However, their reception varies greatly depending on the region. In places like Rivermond, Kalamar, and the Vache Kingdom, Drakes are often viewed as little more than common monsters, hunted and feared by locals. Conversely, across the Kami Concord and the Nagan Empire, they are revered as sacred guardians, often found standing watch over temples and other important sites. Drakes come in a diverse range of sizes, from towering beasts the size of small houses to diminutive creatures no larger than a cat.

Pseudodragons

A rare and elusive species of small dragon-kin, inhabit the realms of Talmar and the fey world of Drekk. Playful and curious by nature, these diminutive beings generally prefer solitude but may bond with mortals who treat them kindly. However, they are not to be underestimated, as they possess stingers on their tails and other defensive mechanisms to ward off potential threats. Mortals versed in the arcane arts may seek to acquire a Pseudodragon as a familiar, forming a bond that transcends the boundaries between species.

Oriental Dragons

Originating from the divine powers of the reptilian deity Diion, Oriental Dragons hold a unique place within draconian lore. These spiritual and celestial beings, taking draconic forms, were born from Diion's essence and have since paved the path for other Oriental Dragons to emerge. Revered and worshipped primarily by mortals in the continent of Lunora on Midroa, these majestic creatures embody qualities of wisdom, spirituality, and divine grace. With their celestial nature, Oriental Dragons serve as guardians of sacred sites and repositories of ancient knowledge, their presence a testament to the enduring connection between mortals and the divine.

Characters

(27)