Core Affinities and Expressions

The Draelish species is unique in that its diversity is often linked to the Essence of this world. The Draelish themselves are divided into two categories based upon their Parents, Aculus and Kykuun. Aculus fostered the Metallics while Kykuun did the same for the Chromatics, embedding in them a love for what the Duo treasured most. Both Parents had a love for the natural beauty of the world, with each expressing it differently. The Draelish reflect this, forming Clans according to each Parent, and further forming different Tribes around each Affinity. Mixing between the different tribes happen often, with Clans usually agreeing to a location that best fits the affinities most present in the population. Metallics and Chromatics usually stay apart, however. Still, there are a few clans which are made up of both, leading to rarer Affinities becoming present.
Several factors play a part in the creation of Affinities. There are currently fourteen known Affinities that shape Draelish society, though it is believed that there could be more. Eleven of these are shared by both Metallics and Chromatics, and are separated into three categories: Elemental (Air, Water, Earth, Life, Hades, and Heavens), Attuned (Mind, Body, Spirit, Light, and Shadows), and Concentrated (Crystalline and Molten). Elemental affinities take precedence and are the most common. Attuned affinities are rarer, appearing in places that override the elemental influence. The Concentrated affinities are the rarest of the categories, appearing only in the most potent of Essence hotspots where large clans are the likeliest to gather. Uniquely appearing in high concentrations of Chromatic or Metallics, the two Affinities known as Crystalline and Molten are the embodiment of what it means to be Chromatic and Metallic. Only appearing in Chromatics, the Crystalline Affinity showcases the heart of Kykuun: sharp, beautiful, and mystifying. Likewise, only appearing in Metallics, the Molten Affinity showcases the heart of Aculus: powerful, passionate, and faithful.
The last Affinity, being the most unique of them all, is Flux, the embodiment of this world. Legendary in rarity, only coming about when one parent is Metallic and the other is Chromatic, the Affinity known as Flux gives a glimpse into the heart of the Duo in their rarest time together.

Expressions

Expressions build upon Core Affinities, showcasing the different highlights of the environment one may find themselves in in small ways. If a Draelish has an affinity for Water and spends their time swimming around coral reefs or glaciers of ice, then coral may begin to sprout among their scales or icy chunks along the plates. These expressions are tied to the environment, and grow only after enough time has been spent soaking in the Essence of a place. This is similar to what happens in the Wilds, where the appearance and demeanor of a person can change depending on the exposure rate, though with Draelish the Wilds seem to react in a different way for them. Expressions are therefore seen as beyond their control, reflecting the relationship between the Wilds and the world. Whereas other sentient species push back against the Wilds, the Draelish embrace it, though stabilization still happens at a modest rate.

Affinity Characteristics

Each Affinity changes the way how individual Draelish interact with the world around them. Nothing too drastic, but it does affect them in subtle ways, with the most visible evidence being the hue of the scales and the type of breath one can expel. This is followed by the different types of Expressions as well as the environmental resistances that start to take shape. Lastly, each and every Draelish has the ability to achieve an Affinity Enhancement, though not all do. These Affinities are mainly governed by the Essences of an area, but there does seem to be some spiritual significance that adds weight to one's Affinity as well, with family history playing some part in the physique of the Draelish after all is said and done.

Air

Draelish of this Affinity love open spaces that are up high, close to a cliff, or look out to open sky. They feel most at home if a mediation spot features water reflecting an open sky. In regard to Grove preferences, these Draelish like to build circular plazas that are walled in but feature an open roof, drawing emphasis on the sky. Breezeways are common, with buildings being built on top of cliffs or hills. Pillars are commonly used, with fabric, lattices, and low walls separating living spaces. Wind chimes and streamers are common here. As for physique, Air Affinities often have horns that start along the eye ridge and raise up and back at an angle, with a shorter set of horns and several facial tendrils lower down. Rarely, a frill may be present, protecting the ears. Their scales are usually denser along the backs of their arms and shoulders.

Water

Water Affinities love pools and streams, oftentimes going out of their way to make sure their Groves feature one of these. Meditation spots are common around gurgling streams or waves lapping along a shore. Their houses are closed off externally but are extremely open interior-wise, especially if a lake or river is present. Courtyard houses are a common site. with one side of the house being placed next to some sort of open water. Walkways across water is used extensively. As for physique, webbed appendages and finned backs and tails are seen almost everywhere, often with brighter colors near the tips, with the scales being smoother than most Draelish. Any horns that are present are usually subdued unless featuring a single, prominent head spike. As for the scale density, their lower legs and arms are denser than most other parts of their bodies, providing protection when swimming.

Earth

Earth Affinities love to surround themselves with terrain. If their homes can be nestled in the ground, the better. They love open strata, worn edges, and beautiful caverns. Groves often contain large spaces surrounded by rock and featuring uncovered ore veins, uncut gemstones, or other natural phenomenon. Buildings built into the side of cliffs and hills are commonplace, with houses and Groves being built deep within the stone or even carved out of existing rock. Mosaic plazas are a common site, with statues and steles spread out and about. Draelish who have an Earth Affinity usually have denser scales running all along their back and tails, with short ridges and horns taking shape along their heads and tails.

Life

Hades

Heavens

Mind

Body

Spirit

Light

Shadows

Crystalline

Those fortunate enough to be blessed by Kykuun are born with the Crystalline Affinity. Rarely seen even among the largest of clans, Chromatics of this Affinity are prized by the tribe with whom they are associated with and are given the best. Destined to await the call of Kykuun, most Draelish of this Affinity live within a special temple complex leaving the clan often to accomplish whatever Kykuun has called them to be. Those that stay are revered as a blessing and oftentimes establish themselves in prominent positions. These are the Draelish that are most likely to go looking for artifacts of Kykuun, with the hope of glory and the chance to become her champion. Any who would sequester themselves from her greatness would be cast out and made to live on the outskirts of society, though none would dare slay one so evidently blessed by Kykuun.

Molten

Though few and far in-between, the birth of a Molten Affinity among Metallics is seen as a blessing to the strength of the clan. Most Draelish of this Affinity are taken in under the wings of a prominent guildsman, military commander, skilled craftsman, or acclaimed trader and spend years honing their skills. Though their birth is seen as a mark of celebration, the clan is careful to not separate them from the everyday life of the clan. If one doesn't find their place with a particular trade, that Draelish is free to continue life as normal, though their service in any regard is seen as a boon.

Flux

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Type

Metaphysical, Supernatural