Kal

Overview

Kal is the title given to which ever dragon of an age has gained enough respect from its peers to be named the Greatest Elder, the leader of dragon kind. Only one dragon at a time can bear the title Kal and they are at risk of being challenged at any point by those who wish to assume the leadership or think the current leader unfit. Xanmet-kal daughter of Onton, a fortune dragon, is the current leader bearing the title and resides in the dragon clan Hasinji, the capital of dragon civilization in modern times.

Meanings

Kal translates as "Greatest Elder" and stems from a Wyrmic word of a similar meaning. Whoever gains this title is the leader of dragon kind should the species find itself in a situation where it needs a central leader. Outside of these times, this dragon is one who inspires great respect from its peers, even from Masters and Elders who inspire great respect in their own right.

Becoming the Kal

There is no set way for a dragon to take the title from its current holder, and they do not need to be a Master or Elder already, though challengers nearly always are. Wrestling matches against the current Greatest Elder are common if both dragons are the same type; if a larger dragon challenges a smaller dragon Kal for leadership, the challenger would be considered a coward and lose any titles they may have already had. Likewise, challenges with magic dexterity are common if both dragons are of the same type and an advantaged challenger would suffer the same fate.
Beyond direct challenges, common ways a dragon may earn the title are to display their prodigal abilities in multiple fields to impress the current Greatest Elder and those around them. Incredible feats of magical ingenuity, acrobatic agility, genius intellect, or leadership skill shown to be surpassing that of the current Kal will force a transfer of the title. The challenger must, however, demonstrate feats in multiple fields and earn respect and honor. Current Kals are expected to be honest with their challengers and to peacefully step down if they truly feel their challenger is better than them.
A less common but more important way of gaining the title is by proof of the Greatest Elder being unfit to lead. This process is more complicated and requires a meeting of Masters and Elders to debate and decide whether the current Kal must be replaced. If they decide the need is there, they choose from among those at the meeting to challenge the Kal to battle. As they are likely to choose a dragon best suited to win against the Greatest Elder, the challenger has historically always won the fight, where both physical brawn and magical might are allowed. The threat of being unseated in this way helps keep Greatest Elders from going rogue or holding the title longer than they are capable of.

Type

Civic, Honorific