Nywfyr
When the agreement was made for Mother Earth to spare the few remaining humans, they were sworn in to eternal servitude to their Dragonic superiors. This caveat was not entirely to their dismay. The Mother could not waste the potential of a whole species, so she gave a unique blessing to the humans. It was a blessing that kept them in amicable, symbiotic standing with the Dragons; one that no other species could claim. At the beginning and end of a Dragon's life, the nearest human to be born would be immediately bestowed with a Dragon's spirit. This human would become known as a Nywfyr: manipulator of elements, user of magick, possessor of Dragonic knowledge.
In exchange for these legendary gifts, all Nywfyr must complete a common goal at some point in their lives. They would know it was their time when a Dragon sought them out. The task: become a Nest Guardian. Nomadic by nature, Dragons often times could not stay with their egg long enough to see it hatch. Nywfyr were led to Dragon's nests, where they would guard the unborn Dragon from all that may cause it harm, as well as protect the surrounding natural environment.
Transmission & Vectors
When a Dragon is born or dies, a Dragonic soul is passed to the nearest human to be born. Since "the nearest human to be born" is a very broad contingency, there is no telling who might be born a Nywfyr. From secluded outcasts to laid-back villagers, anyone has potential to be born with the gift. It's all a matter of being at the right place at the right time.
Even as the Dragonic population grows, Nywfyr are still relatively rare. Dragons live long lives, and there are very few elements in nature that can kill them. There are usually long gaps between the births of Nywfyr, since it's not every day that a Dragon is born or dies.
Symptoms
A Nywfyr becomes recognized at the moment of their birth. When a Dragonic spirit finds a newborn host, a faint golden "sun" will appear on their throat. This mark fades over the next few days. As the Nywfyr ages, their true capabilities will become more and more evident. They are among the only humans who can use magick, and in the presence of Dragons, the beast are exceptionally friendly towards them. Physically there is minimal difference between Nywfyrs and their kin-- besides their eyes, which are either red or gold, and the golden sun that lingers faintly on their throat.
Cultural Reception
More often than not, among their human kin, Nywfyr are celebrated and looked up to. Their magick excites and entices their friends, and their natural sense of adventure and wonder makes them a favorite to their teachers. Those who are closest to them, family and friends, are especially proud to know them. This may be a bittersweet pride, however; as a Nywfyr grows older, there is always the lingering knowledge that at any point in time, they may be called upon to guard a Dragon's nest. This pulls them far away from their people, isolating them in the wilderness for years. Even with the Nywfyr's skills, the dangers are immense.
While humans are thrilled when a Nywfyr is born, Hydriast Nywfyr are celebrated like gods. It wasn't until their curse of aquatic banishment was lifted that a Nywfyr was born among them-- they didn't even know it was possible. There are very few Hydriast Nywfyr yet, but each is well-known and revered. Their magick and acceptance from the Dragons is, for them, the truest sign of re-acceptance from Mother Nature.
Nywfyr are viewed quite differently among other species. They are not always warmly received. Among the Fae, there is an edge of jealousy in their interactions. Inherently magickal and close to the Dragons themselves, some Fae view this human blessing as an encroachment on what is rightfully theirs. Mother Nature is not their creator, however, and it is clear to them that she has a soft spot for her human children. This doesn't stop the Fae from being judgmental and leering towards human Nywfyr, of course.
Naturally docile species, including Amnets and Hjevvag, are much more accepting of Nywfyr. They view them with a sense of curiosity and kinship. Like the Fae, these species are also descendants of the Ethereal plane-- but rather than jealous hostility, they have a sort of older sibling relationship with human Nywfyr. Magick is new and foreign to humans, while they are vastly experienced with it. In many cases, humans Nywfyr will seek out a mentor from among these species. Their laid back lifestyles makes them more than happy to oblige.
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