Essence

For the Draelish, Essence is what connects them to the rest of their kind and to a larger extent, the world. It is what governs their Affinity, sustains them in Wild regions, and connects them to who they are.

Reproduction

During reproduction, a Draelish's physical characteristics may take after that of their parents, with the Affinity being an additional influence. Before the egg is laid, a Draelish is already gathering Essence from his or her mother, drawing it in until the egg is laid. Afterwards, Essence is taken in, changing the thin layer of scales around the egg to Affinity-supporting hues. As the Draeling feeds off the Essence within, it changes their appearance and connection to the world. There are reports, however, of Draelish whose shells have broken early, causing their scales to become duller, grey-like, and weaker. Many such Draelings do not survive, though the few that do find themselves unable to connect with the world around them like normal. As such, they feel unconnected from the clan, to their Duo, and life in general.

Population

Draelish are isolationists, seeking out places where others do not travel. This could be a volcano, the heart of a swamp, or a craggy gorge. Here in the hidden recesses of the world is where Draelish congregate, drawing upon the Essence of the place. Depending on how potent the Essence is determines how large the clan grows. With the cap, clans can comfortably dig into an environment, conforming the layout to best suit their needs while also enhancing the natural beauty of the region through cultivation and cultural projects. Not all clans gather in one location, however. Some clans wander from place to place, seeking an area rife with Essence. This has led many clans to venture out into the Wilds, regions where many sapients are wary to enter for fear of transformation. Essence seems to protect the Draelish, allowing them to remain within a Wilds region virtually unchanged.

Spiritual Connection

Essence represents the heart of a Draelish, connecting them to Aculus and Kykuun, those around them, and the heartbeat of the world. It is what allows them to adapt to their environments, create melodic experiences when singing, and carve out a place in the world for themselves and their clan. All Draelish seek to establish themselves deeper with the world around them, and Essence provides just that sort of connection. It is seen as a gift from the Duo as they are separated from their children, though all await their return.

Type

Natural