Draelish Reproduction and Development

Draelish reproduction is governed by a magical energy called Essence. Upon completing their first Cycle (14 years of age), when the population cap of an area falls short, Draelish become filled with something they like to call Mist. This mist (which seems to almost cling to the scales surrounding the tail) represents an overabundance of essence in the region. Mating is possible up until that region's capacity is reached, meaning that all available Essence is already being used up by the clan.
The act of reproduction starts when both a male and female Draelish find themselves filled with Essence. This would happen either with the loss of life or a random outburst of extra Essence in a region. Within the this time, if the pair begins the Misting process (meaning that the two come together for a cloaca kiss), an egg will begin to develop. After expulsion, a male will not become filled again unless there are not enough males in the clan to become filled the first time around. The female, meanwhile, will have her mist move from around her tail to becoming absorbed within her, feeding the eggs. Once about a month has passed, the female will lay the eggs (about 1-3) within the dynasty's or clan's hatchery. It will take an additional 2 months before the eggs hatch, during which the egg will start to form a layer of scales around itself, hardening slightly. If a female began to mist but was not able to mate, after the Misting season has ended, any eggs that had begun to develop within are broken down and processed out.
The potency of Mist doesn't seem to diminish with age, but rather the more powerful one becomes, the less likely one is to be filled. This phenomenon may explain why the rarer Affinities are less likely to have larger dynasties/clans than the more common types of Draelish. Another approach is that by limiting the breeding potential of more powerful spawn, it lessens the likelihood of one Affinity dominating another. Xaudin and Sundar are considered infertile. Only in cases where an extremely potent essence hotspot has been located (with no other Draelish around to soak up the Essence) does breeding between these two types seem possible.
Once a Draeling is ready to hatch, it will use its egg tooth to began breaking through the inner membrane of the shell. Those in attendance watching over the eggs may make sure each nest is moist enough to allow the draelings within an easier time to hatch, though this isn't usually needed. Once the egg's outer shell is broken through, the egg tooth may become resorbed, though occasionally it may stay, developing into a snout horn. Growth continues until one reaches full maturity at age 14. It isn't until their second cycle, however, that Akara Draelish are considered eligible to apply for elder, having developed physically for 14 years then again spiritually for another 14. Kyearx are considered full members after reaching their first cycle, but are given more status after each cycle obtained after their first.

Kyearx Customs

Da'Kyearx hatcheries are usually governed by a designated family or group of families by the ruling Dynasty. Mating between the different families act as a connection point, with one of the families either acting as an honored vessel or, if both are equal in prominence, forming an alliance or even merging together.

Akara Customs

Da'Akara treat mating as a celebration of life for the clan. Males and females who become filled with Mist ritualistically seek and ask each other if they would lie to mate. Once the female goes to the hatchery (a place where all of the clan's eggs go, though this can be spread out in several keeps for protection) and lays her eggs, she can resume her duties. Draelish who mate and produce are called Mother and Father by the offspring, but aren't always the ones who care for them. They may act as a patron/sponsor, checking in from time to time, or may decide to raise them if they desire in their home. It is common, however, for another Draelish couple (or an entire Grove, though one male and female Draelish must be present) to step up and take the responsibility, being named Aunts and Uncles. They are the ones who raise the draeling(s). The focus here is that the community comes together as a family for each other.

Nest Sites

Draelish need Essence in order to thrive, therefore, when an area is being settled, effort is made to find the focal point of the Essence hotspot. It is here that the hatcheries are placed, alongside a major temple and the clan's Archive. Lesser hotspots are considered Sacred Sites, where special grottos and places of worship are built.
Cities built by other sentient creatures that are close to an Essence hotspot or pocket may have a small temple built on the site, though rarely will a hatchery be built alongside it. Draelish are still limited to the amount of Essence being produced in an area, and because there are other sentient creatures nearby, these sites oftentimes lack the amount of Essence needed to reproduce.

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