Draconium

Draconium is a unique layer within the Beastland. It wasn't originally a natural part of the Beastlands; rather, it was forcefully created and added to the planes through the potent Magic of dragons. This transformation occurred after the Draco Giant War, serving as a heaven for the scant survivors who sought refuge from the world's turmoil. Draconium acts as a pivotal bridge connecting the material plane and the Beastlands.

Description

The layer is characterized by a large island on which is a vast mountain range, divided into two distinct sections: Upper Draconium and Lower Draconium.

Lower Draconium

Zaralek Cavern Biome Key Art Crystal by Gabriel Gonzalez

Lower Draconium consists of an intricate labyrinthine dungeon nestled within the mountains. Some dragons have established their lairs in this complex, and it is here that Nozdromu, the Dragon god of Time, forged a link between Draconium and Chronias, the seventh layer of Mount Olympus. This link allows him to oversee and protect his kin. The dungeon's walls are adorned with expansive engravings, depicting the comprehensive history of dragons spanning the past, present, and future.

Upper Draconium

The elevated valley of Upper Draconium is home to the draconic city of Valdraken, providing shelter for the survivors.

Dragon Stones Shores

Waking Shores concept by Jimmy Lo

The shores encircling the island are famously known as the Dragon Stone Shore, a wild expanse teeming with untamed draconic magic. Towering colossal stones punctuate the shoreline, earning them the name Dragon Stones. These jagged and imposing rocks have historically served as natural defenses, thwarting any attempts to approach the shores by ship.
Within this rugged terrain, geysers and hot springs are commonplace, gushing forth with thermal energy. Mighty streams and rivers have sculpted intricate grottoes into the vibrant rocks and layered sediment. These watercourses meander towards the heart of the land, nourishing its vitality. Although this region was once adorned with grand dragon-inspired architecture like much of Draconium, the passage of millennia has seen these structures succumb to the ravages of time, succumbing to decay and being swallowed by overgrowth.
Venturing further, volcanic domains pulse with the primal forces of molten earth and fire. As elevation increases, the land takes on a more formidable character, marked by harsher conditions and unyielding landscapes.

Ysera's plains

Ohn'ahran Plains concept by Jimmy Lo

The Ysera's Plains sprawl as a lush expanse nestled amidst the heart of the upper draconic mountain range. With its sweeping plateaus, mesas, groves, and valleys brimming with vibrant vitality, these plains owe their name to Ysera, the dragon Deity of nature. Verdant grasslands carpet the land, gently ascending from the shores of the Dragon Stones. The terrain undulates with serene hills and wind-carved steppes, as if nature itself had sculpted its contours.
As one traverses this terrain, the landscape undergoes a striking transformation. The gentle hills gradually give way to more dramatic elevations, eventually evolving into rugged mountainscapes. Geysers punctuate the terrain, their lively eruptions sending columns of scalding steam skyward.
The plateaus and mesas that stretch across this expanse have become the dwelling grounds of Centaur clans that have taken root within upper draconium. These centaur clans share an intimate connection with the land, honoring ancient traditions that echo through time.
Life thrives abundantly here. Lush grasses sway in the breeze, encircling watering holes that serve as gathering points for a diverse array of wildlife. These gatherings of fauna provide a bountiful source of prey for the majestic dragons that rule the skies above, adding an intricate layer to the rich tapestry of existence that paints the Ysera's Plains.

Azure Mountains

Ohn'ahran Plains concept by Jimmy Lo

The Azure Mountains encircle upper Draconium and Ysera's Plains. This area is characterized by snowy peaks, mist-draped forests, and frigid tundra. The landscape is a mosaic of diverse biomes, all blanketed in snow and ice. Towering frozen waterfalls, icy rivers, and enigmatic mist-shrouded forests dominate much of this region.

History

Draconium was once a part of the material plane, distinct from the Beastlands. However, it was forcefully extricated from its original space and transposed into the outer plane by dragons. This dramatic alteration was undertaken as an effort to safeguard and shield the precious survivors, resulting in Draconium's unique existence as a bridge between realms.