Dragon Hunts
"One may wonder how many humans it takes to take down a dragon. Before you get the answer to that, I need to ask a question of my own; how old is the dragon you want to kill? If it's under 50 then a group of five will usually do it." The human shifted their weight, leaning casually on the table. Their expression was hard to read, just as cold as their tone. "Once you start getting into centuries is when you should bring in way more than you think you need. It was usually a group of at least ten." They paused. "Don't look at me like that. I don't enjoy knowing this...It was a part of my life. The old Knights of Valor thought we were in the right with what we did. We weren't."
Brief
The Dragon Hunts were a horrible massacre of tremendous proportions. In fear and misunderstanding, humans lashed out at the dragons across Isidoro. Threats, both real and perceived, caused conflict. Lives were lost on both sides, and it was only when humans discovered that dragons were actually sentient did they feel shame, assuming them mindless beasts. There has been a solid effort ever since to repair the damage caused by the Dragon Hunts.The Conflict
Battlefield
"Throw the net now!" There was a bellowing roar that shook the canyon. Hunters hiding in alcoves dropped the magic-nullifying nets down onto their target. The Lightning Dragon shook in pain and alarm, and it echoed out against the rocks. The netting tangled in its wings, wrapping around it like a vice. Humans surrounded the dragon warily, weapons at the ready.The Dragon-Human conflict took part across nearly all of Isidoro. From tundra to forest and sea no location was entirely safe for dragons, as humans would use their ingenuity to surprise and overwhelm dragons. Hunters would often look for areas of opportunity, where they could use high ground to net the dragons before they had a chance to fly away, or otherwise maim land-bound dragons.
Dragons had to use overwhelming force to fight back. When claws and fangs weren't enough, elemental magics were used. Many hunters suffered horrible burns from water, lightning, and fire, or were crushed beneath rubble torn from the earth. They felt if humans would turn everything they had against them, that they could use everything they had. Aerial retaliation, elemental strikes, they would fight tooth and nail to survive.
Outcome
It finally reached a breaking point when the dragons feared their bloodlines would end, and as a result, dragons are forced into hiding, spiriting away from anywhere near human populaces for their own safety. Humans consider this a victory, and take over some of the land taken from dragon nesting and dens.
Aftermath
Fortune falls into the dragons' favour, as it is eventually discovered through talks with other species that dragons are incredibly smart and their sentience is in fact on human level when it was previously considered small like a drake's. The Knights of Valor, learning of this, disband out of shame and regret. Members who feel they need to repent actively work with dragons in an attempt to undo some of the harm that they caused.
Conflict Type
Military Campaign
Conflict Result
Dragon population badly affected; Humankind deem it a victory.
Belligerents
Dragons
Humans
Strength
- Planned Group Hunts
- Anti-Magic/ Magic Nullifying Weapons
- Element of Surprise
Casualties
Overwhelming; 50% across all species
N/A; Some bodies were consumed or lost. Casualties well into the hundreds.
Objectives
- Survive
- Preservation of Species
- Protect Humankind
- Eradicate Dragon Threats
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