Species and Races > Dragons
Dragons
Legendary reptilian beasts created by Shardross, God of Fire in his image, dragons are predatory, beings, covered in scales with potent natural weapons. They are smart and powerful, and can live for millennium, dragons rule the skies, with the oldest and smartest of their kind possessing incredible strength.
Dark Dragons
History and General Info
When Shardross’s eldest child, the Dragon Empress, Iquatet betrayed him, and rose to the status of a God, she rewarded her most faithful servants by transforming them into the powerful beasts known as dark dragons. Used as war beasts, mounts, and lieutenants by other evil powers, these creatures are a frightful sight, their black scales and innumerable spines creating an imposing silhouette as they descend on the battlefield.
Abilities
Shade Breath- Dark dragons can unleash a huge cloud of black, shadowy fog as a breath weapon, disorienting and blinding creatures within, the unsettling magic within the dragon weakening the targets to the dragon’s attacks.
Abyssal Sight- A dark dragon can see through even magical darkness, allowing it to take advantage of its breath for lethal ambushes.
Dark Talent- Dark dragons have a natural talent for dark spells, and even dread magic if they’re properly trained.
Locations and Allegiances
Dark dragons are common in Gorgabad and the Endless Abyss as servants of dark powers, any powerful evil being that earns a dark dragon’s respect may have one under their command.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Dark dragons grow dangerous spines from their body at random, making them difficult foes to get close to.
Dark dragons, like most of their kin, possess hardened scales that are tough to pierce.
The spines grown by a dark dragon aren’t always in a good position, and can cause problems for a dragon, potentially causing ingrown spines, cuts or pains, and can become infected if the dragon isn’t careful.
A dark dragon’s teeth and claws are razor sharp, like scythes.
Dark dragons are resistant to dark magic and fire.
Due to their nature, dark dragons are resilient to pain, and can sustain great injury before being crippled by the agony.
When in battle, dark dragons younger than five thousand rarely retreat, due to a kind of battle fever or bloodlust that overcomes them.
Notable Figures
Slagbreather, the Beast of Gorgabad is the personal dark Dragon Lord in the service of Lord Nazal, the Thrice Slain. He is a huge specimen and a powerful foe who guards the Ashen Land and its cursed tower with extreme prejudice.
Desert Dragons
History and General Info
Scales of yellow, tan, and orange are the hallmark of a desert dragon. These hardy beasts can burrow into hot sand, and survive without water for over a year. They aren’t usually very picky and will eat anything they can get their hands on, often making food an effective bargaining chip.
Abilities
Sand Shark- Desert dragons are capable of effectively swimming through sand quickly.
Blasting Breath- Unlike some dragons, instead of a fiery or magical breath, a desert dragon uses its powerful lungs and wings to blow hot sand at their foes, cutting at and disorienting them. Older and larger specimens can even accomplish this feat using rocks.
Sunsight- Desert dragons are unphased by most bright lights, as they’ve evolved a second set of eyelids that are tinted and strong to both block the sun’s rays and keep sand out of their eyes.
Dexterous Talons- Desert dragons have three fingered hands as well as a fourth (thumb) that allows them to effectively grip and manipulate objects more effectively than other dragons.
Locations and Allegiances
Desert Dragons are largely loners, not wanting competition for territory, and they also tend not to align themselves with others unless it’s beneficial for them to do so.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Desert dragons, like most of their kin, possess hardened scales that are tough to pierce.
Desert dragons are unfazed by hot tempratures.
Desert dragons can survive for years without water.
Desert dragons become sluggish in cooler temperatures
Desert dragons require debris or something to blast towards foes to properly use their breath weapon.
Notable Figures
Panoptes, the Golden Dawn is a powerful desert Dragon Lord who dwells in a fortified pyramid created so he may live in opulence and avoid the conflict of his people and the elves of Kerios. He is a connoisseur of fine foods and an adamant consumer of wine, which he uses in place of water for the fountains and waterfalls of his lair.
Forest Dragons
History and General Info
Smaller and more agile than other dragons, those that dwell in the forest are green scaled predators with a nasty, venomous bite. They are rare, but powerful, and often seek out fae willing to help them find food.
Abilities
Venomous Fangs- The bite of a forest dragon delivers a dose of venom that attacks the muscular and nervous system of their prey, which is dangerous and in some cases lethal if untreated.
Fleet-footed- Forest dragons have serrated claws that give them a better grip on wood and stone, and have quick reaction times and serpentine bodies that allow them to slip through the forest with surprising ease.
Impeccable Smell- Forest dragons can pick up the scent of natural things as well as that of magic.
Locations and Allegiances
Forest dragons are found in any forests that they can gain a foothold in, and have a fondness for fae and other woodland spirits.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Like most of their kin, forest dragons have hardened scales that are resilient to damage.
Forest dragons, are not the best fliers amongst dragonkind, but they are excellent gliders.
Due to their bites, forest dragons are nearly immune to conventional toxins.
Forest dragons are natural climbers.
Forest dragons have slightly softer underbellies than most dragons, making them vulnerable to attack there.
Notable Figures
Effigy is a forest dragon of about 1,000 years of age under the wing of the hag known as Grandmother Withergreen, and eagerly curries her favor for food, knowledge, and out of its own cruelty. She often wears dark or unnatural talismans around her neck.
Mountain Dragons
History and General Info
These blue scaled beasts are heavily armored, with spiky tales, crushing jaws, and a viscous liquid they can spit that ignites on contact with the air. Mountain dragons are powerful creatures, comfortable at all altitudes, and while often territorial, make exceptions for family.
Abilities
Scintillating Gaze- The glittering eyes of a mountain dragon can stun and daze their foes, leaving them vulnerable to attack.
Searing Venom- Mountain dragons can spit a burning venom that burns as a chemical fire.
Locations and Allegiances
Mountain dragons are found in both Ithuan and Kerios, but are most common in the Vasheron mountain range of Dulatica.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Mountain dragons have the toughest hide of any dragon breed.
The heavy musculature of a mountain dragon makes them dangerous in combat, even against other dragons.
Mountain dragons are highly resistant to flame, including chemical fires.
Mountain dragons’s tails have numerous spikes on them, and can be used as an effective weapon.
Larger mountain dragons are often a bit less maneuverable in the air.
Mountain dragons can bite with multiple tons of force.
Notable Figures
Khione, the Wings of Mourning lead her people during the end of the war between dragons and elves on Kerios, her pale blue scales glittering as she recovered from an attempt on her life. Her fate is unknown, but after she rallied them the dragons vanished, or so the legends say.
Vasheron, the Eternal Flame is the sire of many of the Ithuan mountain dragons, and has lived since the great spirit war. Now he broods in his lair as he and his spawn fight against the dragon slayers of the Shockwind Elven Clan. This enormous dragon is ancient and powerful, but he is also growing tired and rarely stirs within his mountain lair.
Permafrost Dragon
History and General Info
Permafrost dragons hail from the northern reaches of Ithuan, they are reclusive semiaquatic predators with dark grey scales to blend in with the cold waters. Permafrost dragons are vicious but reasonable creatures, and are willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
Abilities
Hook Teeth- Permafrost dragons have sharp, curved teeth meant to latch into and restrain fish as well as to tear flesh.
Swift Swimmer- The fins on a permafrost dragon’s back and tail, as well as the webbing on their feet, allow them to swim with enough speed to outrun any boat not aided by powerful magic.
Freezing Breath- Unlike many of their cousins, permafrost dragons spit freezing icy water at their foes, the water an icy slurry that often freezes into ice on impact.
Serrated Claws- The talons of a permafrost dragon are serrated to allow them to grip onto icy surfaces, but also allow them to leave fairly severe cuts on their opponents.
Deep Divers- A permafrost dragon can see in near complete darkness, and hold its breath for up to two hours, in addition, they can survive the crushing pressures of up to two thousand feet below sea level.
Natural Camouflage- A permafrost dragon’s scales are largely dark grey, able to blend in with the norther sea waters, while swimming, and against the dark rocky coastlines of their homes.
Locations and Allegiances
Permafrost dragons are native to Dulatica and Gorgabad primarily, and rarely owe allegiance to others.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Permafrost dragons have a resistance to frigid temperatures.
Like most of their kin, permafrost dragons have hardened scales that are resilient to damage.
A permafrost dragon cannot breathe underwater, only hold their breath.
With their strong wings, permafrost dragons can fly fairly effectively, but aren’t able to hover in one place as well as other dragons.
Territorial by nature, these dragons don’t like sharing their territory with other dragons.
The webbing on their hands and fins is sensitive, and allows them to sense movement in the water nearby, but is painful if damaged.
Notable Figures
Icaciona is an adult permafrost dragon about 7,000 years old that claims the bay of Nightport as her hunting ground. She is friends with a werewolf captain named Duke Twilight, and never attacks his ship.
Phantom Dragons
History and General Info
The enigmatic nature of these nocturnal hunters from Kerios has caused a fair bit of speculation into their nature, and some say they’re demons or dark spirits. However, they are no such thing. Phantom dragons may be mysterious, but they are not actual ghosts.
Abilities
Nightvision- Phantom dragons can see in near complete darkness, and their red eyes glint like a cat’s in light.
Silent Approach- The bottoms of a phantom dragon’s feet are padded so they can move quietly and carefully while stalking prey.
Spell Stealing Breath- Unlike other breath weapons, that of a phantom dragon is more defensive in nature as it drains mana from the space around them, disrupting nearby spells, and empowering the dragon with that same power.
Hexclaws- The talons of a phantom dragon can channel magic absorbed by their breath to allow the dragon to create magical effects, like causing their claws to be bathed in flame.
Slashing Tail- Phantom dragons have a bone blade at the end of their tails, they use this to help themselves keep from getting surrounded.
Severing Fangs- The bottom jaw of a phantom dragon has shorter, puncturing teeth, while the top sports long, knife-like fangs. These allow the phantom dragons to stab and hold onto their prey, and then carve off a chunk with their sharp upper teeth.
Keen Listening- Phantom dragons display a superb sense of hearing that allows them to better track their prey and their surroundings in the dark.
Natural Camouflage- The dark scales of a phantom dragon, allow them to meld with the night shadows.
Locations and Allegiances
Unlike other dragons of Kerios, phantom dragons are known to still hunt in remote areas, preferring a solitary life, though they’re still rare. They most often associate with fringe mages, vampires, and many creatures that roam the night.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Though still tough, the scaly hide of a phantom dragon isn’t as strong as that of their kin, as they’re more geared towards stealth.
While their upper teeth do grow back, they’re more fragile due to their length.
Bright light and loud noise can disorient a phantom dragon.
Phantom dragons are swiftest on land, where they’re the fastest runners of any dragon species, though they’re also able fliers.
Phantom dragons are innately resistant to magic.
A phantom dragon doesn’t need to be trained in magic to channel through its claws.
Phantom dragons have four eyes.
The eerie scream that is a phantom dragon’s roar reverberates readily, and is hard to trace, making it an effective scare tactic.
Notable Figures
(None)
Sea Dragons
History and General Info
These masters of the deep are often mistaken for sea serpents, but they are considered true dragons. Sea dragons live beneath the waves for safety, and their dark green and blue scales are distinctive of their species.
Abilities
Giants of the Sea- Sea dragons are able to grow much larger than their kin, taking advantage of the ocean’s resources and the space it provides to grow nearly twice the size.
Powerful Swimmer- The finned feet and tail of a sea dragon allow them to move incredibly fast underwater, using their wing-like back fins to help maneuver.
Gills- Sea dragons can breath underwater through the use of gills, however they’re able to survive on land for a few months.
Psionic Voice- In the silencing depths of the sea, these dragons have learned to speak with one another using a form of telepathy.
Mighty Tail- The tail of a sea dragon is long and very powerful, often used to create waves or to strike foes.
Watery Sight- The eyes of a sea dragon function even in salt water, and they are able to see in the darkness of the deeps.
Locations and Allegiances
Sea dragons are usually isolated creatures, and rarely show allegiances. They prefer salt water but some may choose to live in fresh water.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The scales of a sea dragon are large and tough, though, if scraped from the right direction, can be pried off.
Sea dragons can fly short distances, but their wings are not meant for it, and it’s more of an extended leap.
Sea dragons’s limbs are not quite as muscular than those of most dragons.
Sea dragons have no breath weapon.
The heads of sea dragons are fairly tough, and then can use them as battering rams if need be.
As it sleeps, a sea dragon can become covered with barnacles and seaweed, providing it with extra armor.
Sea dragons are experts of navigating currents.
Though they’re tough, sea dragons are weak to fire and lightning.
Notable Figures
Orum, of the Sea is a massive old sea Dragon Lord who’s worshiped as a god by the Merga. He is calm and idle most of the time, and ever curious about other worlds. He is the largest Dragon Lord by a good margin, due to his designation as a sea dragon.
Sky Dragons
History and General Info
Hailing from southern Ithuan and Kerios, these red scaled rulers of the air are proud and naturally clever creatures. Known for their great speed and incredibly hot flames, sky dragons have long serpentine bodies and massive wings, sometimes with hints of color amongst the red, like blues, greens, or purples on their frills, and are fairly aloof beings, even among dragons.
Abilities
Extraordinary Vision- From far above, a sky dragon can pick out details, their eyesight is incredible up close too, allowing them to see fine details that even smaller creatures may not.
Dexterous Claws- Sky dragons have four fingered hands as well as a fifth (thumb) that allows them to effectively grip and manipulate objects.
Searing Breath- When a sky dragon unleashes its breath weapon, it manifests as a beam of incredibly hot fire that often showers releases sparks.
Deft Fliers- Sky dragons are lightning fast in the air, their large wings allowing them to outrun almost any creature. Like colossal falcons, they can swoop and dive with incredible speed, the ridges on their back helping them with that, as does their lithe shape.
Keen Memory- Sky dragons have excellent memory, even for dragons, and some have been known to use this to learn magic.
Locations and Allegiances
Found almost exclusively now in southern Ithuan, sky dragons rule the peaks of Castrael, Restalo, and lower Kelratra. They get along well with the dwarves there, fascinated by their creations and craftsmanship, while many dwarves are obsessed with the incredible heat that the sky dragons are capable of unleashing.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Like most of their kin, sky dragons have hardened scales that are resilient to damage.
Sky dragons can breathe at high altitudes.
Due to their affinity with heat, all sky dragons are near immune to fire, and larger specimens are also resistant to cold conditions.
Sky dragons have a well deserved reputation for at times having a quick temper.
Sky dragons are quite prideful about their wings and the colors present there and on their frills.
The bones of a sky dragon are lighter, and their bodies thinner than many other species, making them easier to break in combat with other dragons.
Sky dragons have powerfully muscled wings.
Notable Figures
Aerious, the Talons of Steel is a legendary sky Dragon Lord archmage and artificer who is renowned for her incredible intellect and for her skill in magic. Aerious is incredibly competent, and is the pinnacle of many of her species, although wounded in battle, she was able to craft herself a new right arm out of metal mechanisms and magical enchantments.