History
The
Dragons, revered across the ages as creatures of unrivaled
power and
majesty, once reigned supreme over both the skies and the earth. Their legacy stretches back to the dawn of time, long before the emergence of mortal races, when they fought the apocalyptic
War against the
Titans. This ancient conflict decimated their numbers and shook the very foundations of the world. Following their eventual victory, the Dragons' ferocity was pacified only by the arrival of the
Children of Light, who descended from the heavens to restore balance.
However, when the world was sundered and the Children disappeared, the Dragons found themselves scattered, broken, but freed from the constraints of their celestial overseers. With their low birth rates threatening extinction, they barely clawed their way back from the brink. In the mystical realms of
Avallon, they eventually reclaimed their glory, forging the Dominion, with their loyal
Drakkin kin serving as the mortal instruments of their will. This empire, a testament to their might, endured for millennia, even beyond the devastation of the
Second Cataclysm.
Age & Wisdom
All dragons are
intelligent,
magical creatures, but as they grow older, their power and wisdom increase exponentially. The wisest and most ancient dragons are revered as
Royal Dragons. These are the elder members of their kind, often growing to immense size and displaying unparalleled mastery of the Arcane.
Dragons spend their long lives accumulating knowledge, power, and wealth.
Young dragons, while still formidable, are more likely to be territorial, aggressive, and impulsive, as they have not yet honed the wisdom that comes with age. Over centuries, they develop into sophisticated beings, mastering the magic and sciences of the world and establishing vast domains of influence. These older dragons, the
Royal Dragons, are recognized by their extraordinary Arcane prowess, their regal demeanor, and their tendency to involve themselves in the affairs of mortals - whether as conquerors, manipulators, or sometimes even allies.
Characteristics & Behaviour
Dragons, regardless of their age or elemental affinity, are
territorial and
powerful creatures. They claim whole areas as their domains, often in remote, inaccessible places, and guard these territories with unmatched ferocity. Although younger dragons are more likely to display reckless aggression, even they possess a cunning that should never be underestimated.
- Territorial Nature: Dragons, particularly younger ones, fiercely defend their territories from any who dare trespass. Their presence shapes the very ecosystem around them, driving other predators away and creating an eerie calm in otherwise wild areas. When a dragon is near, the land feels as if it holds its breath.
- Magical Mastery: Dragons are inherently magical beings, capable of using Arcane magic from birth. Their abilities grow more refined with age, with older Dragons achieving mastery over the complex magical disciplines. They can cast powerful illusions and control elemental forces. The older the dragon, the deeper their magical knowledge runs.
- Maturity: Elder dragons, thousands of years old, are respected not only for their size and strength but for their knowledge, grace, and patience. These are the dragons that often become central figures in mortal histories, either as wise councilors or tyrannical overlords. In the realms of Avallon, Royal Dragons, those who have lived for hundreds of thousands of years, are seen as living gods, ruling the Drakkin with a mixture of divine authority and Arcane power.
Life Cycle
Dragons are born small compared to their eventual size, but they grow steadily over centuries. A
young dragon is already a formidable force, with a breath weapon and a budding magical affinity. As they age into adolescence and adulthood, their power only grows, their scales hardening into near-impenetrable armor and their magical abilities expanding.
By the time a dragon reaches several centuries of age, it often grows to the size of a manor, amassing a vast hoard of treasure and becoming far less impulsive. At this stage, they are considered
fully grown. As they age into a thousand years or more, their wisdom deepens, and they may develop a following - choosing to share their domain in exchange for tribute and protection, often disregarding the national borders of mortal realms. These dragons are known as
Elder Dragons, though they are rare. Despite their rarity, tales of their power and influence are not difficult to hear of throughout the lands.
However, dragons do not stop aging. Those who survive for millennia continue to grow, both physically and in power. These are the creatures mortals revere as
Royal Dragons, whose scales shimmer with ancient magic, and whose breath can melt stone or shatter mountains. These ancient beings often have dominion over entire regions and have witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations. These dragons are renowned for their immense wisdom, grace, and calm.
Archetypes
Dragons in this world are highly varied, with each embodying
different elemental or
natural forces. Their powers and temperaments often reflect the environments in which they dwell, whether soaring among stormy peaks, dwelling in volcanic caverns, or slumbering beneath ancient forests. These mighty creatures can take on traits from their surroundings, making them as diverse and unpredictable as the world itself.
While some dragons are deeply attuned to the elements of fire, water, or air, others may resonate with forces like shadow, light, or even the pure arcane. Their personalities are equally diverse, ranging from benevolent protectors to reclusive sages, to destructive and territorial rulers. As with their elemental affinities, a dragon's behavior and purpose are often shaped by the lands they call home and the ages they’ve lived through.
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