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#dragonwars: preview
dragonwars · 1 month
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LORE PREVIEW: REN SÁRON
City in the clouds; the last dragon city to survive the Cataclysm; a reminder of the grandeur of the Second Age; a relic of the past; bastion of magic and knowledge; domed rooves and elegant buildings; waterfalls cascading off the edges into the clouds below; lush greenery; a dragon rider's home amongst the mountains and clouds.
Ren Sáron is the last dragon city to survive the Cataclysm - the concluding events of the Second Age. The city still echoes the past Age's grandeur and opulence, with elegant and beautiful architecture, and blending the power of magic with beautiful nature. The architecture of Ren Sáron is characterized by graceful spires, domed structures, and intricate designs that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The islands of Ren Sáron were chosen because of its lush greenery and plenty of rivers. Thus, the floating city has many of its buildings strucutered around waterways and lush gardens, with sparkling waterfalls cascading off its edges into the clouds below.
The city is divided into three different elevations that stretch across a vertical range. It is arguably three settlements or three sections of a city that are layered on top of eachother. Floating 'islands' remain stationary, thanks to the ancient magic which built this ancient city from the Second Age, and Ren Sáron boasts its own woodlands, waterfalls and lakes across these diverse islands.
The Lower Islands, colloquially known as Lower Ren Sáron or the Lower City, are accessible via a mountain path and intricately designed bridges that connect to the bustling town of Icewind. This lower realm serves as a vibrant nexus where trade, culture, and camaraderie flourish. Taverns, markets, and entertainment venues dot the landscape, fostering interactions between dragon riders and commoners alike.
To scale up into the true parts of the dragon rider city, one has to either have a dragon or be able to complete the Aetherwalk - a complex and dangerous test for hopefuls to become dragon rider cadets. If accomplished, one finds themselves in the true heart of the city. The Central Islands (often just called 'Central') are the exclusive domain of cadets and the esteemed dragon riders, where they hone their unique skills and form unbreakable bonds with their celestial mounts. This is the largest area of the vertical settlement containing residential barracks for cadets, flying grounds, libraries, many training areas, duelling grounds, and more.
High above, the Peaks of Ren Sáron stand as sacred sanctuaries reserved for the dragon riders' private retreats and rigorous training grounds. Among these lofty realms, the Dragonflight Islands house familial squads, each reflecting unique architectural motifs aligned with the core themes of their respective Dragonflights. For instance, the Guardians' Island, home to the Guardian Dragonflight, abounds with herbs and flora, essential for their healing arts and medical supplies.
Notes: This will act as one of the main areas for characters to interact outside missions/plots. Writers are welcome to submit their own worldbuilding suggestions via the submit box about specific areas of the islands or particular taverns and markets. It is an enormous metropolis, split into three cities, and connected at ground level to Icewind via the Lower areas.
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dragonwars · 1 month
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The Inquisitors earned their name because they are dedicated to uprooting and destroying evil. They value loyalty, strength, and tenacity above all other traits. When an Inquisitor walks forth, it is met with either relief or fear. Relief to those who have nothing to hide; and fear to those who may have strayed from the light. They are imperative to protecting the world from threats from within; yet they usually leave only impersonal destruction and cleansing in their wake, making their presence a feared yet respected necessity.
Inquisitors usually attract riders with offensive or defensive signets because their duties are highly combat focused. Their dragons are typically just as zealous and committed to uprooting evil as their Inquisitor riders. Their armband and cloak colours are crimson red.
Their main duties are:
HUNTING DARKSWORN: recognising the signs of a Darksworn (a Corrupted human); hunting them down; executing them before they can cause harm
FIEND EXPERTISE: dedicated to understanding Fiend physiology - how to destroy them the quickest; providing information of any new Fiends to other Dragonflights
BLIGHT EXPERTISE: maintaining up-to-date knowledge on the different Blight areas such as: how large they are, how many Fiends are estimated to be within the borders, and how fast they are expanding
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dragonwars · 5 months
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LORE PREVIEW: THE DRAGON RIDERS
The Seldorai, bonded with dragons, possess the unique ability to wield divine magic through their bond, which is awakened as a special signet ability. They are revered as the protectors of humanity worldwide. Demons from the Forsaken lands are vulnerable to both the divine flames of dragons and the special magic of riders.
To become a Rider, one must possess the innate spark for magic, granting them the ability to use both lesser and greater magical talents. This is a prerequisite for forming a bond with a dragon and manifesting a divine signet ability.
The Seldorai are organized into five Dragonflights, each specializing in distinct military disciplines. They are trained in the floating city of Ren Sáron - the only surviving city from the Second Age - which guards the dragonlands at the heart of the Core. After graduation, riders will choose a Dragonflight as their lifelong career and will be stationed at various bastions along the Verge or Blights to be ready against the constant demon invasions.
Through their connection, riders gain enhanced attributes, including speed, strength, endurance, and extended lifespans. Over time, they undergo physical transformations which are thought to resemble the Gods' own appearances; marked by pointed ears, luminescent veins, and radiant eyes that are tied to their dragon's colour. (It differs betwen riders but it is usually 5-10+ years before these changes appear.)
The training of a rider is intentionally grueling and perilous. Most cadets struggle to survive the initial week, let alone complete the first year. They must be ready to confront the darkest and most treacherous of threats, and there is little room for weakness.
Cadets who fail to establish a bond with a dragon upon graduation have the option to repeat another year of training or choose an alternate path as a Mage or Knight.
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dragonwars · 5 months
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LORE PREVIEW: GOLD DRAGONS
Gold dragons once served as the divine guardians of the Goddess Kelraėlmír (lit translation: The High Sun Mother in the divine language of Renorn), the Goddess of the Righteous Sun. When they arrived on the world of Eldaria, they were the first of dragonkind to pledge a bond with humans to combat against the evil Nevenii. These bold and fearless actions prompted other dragons to forge bonds. When the connection to the divine weakened and dragonkind became trapped on Eldaria, it was felt more profoundly by the Astral Dragons - Gold, Black, Silver, and Purple Dragons - who were more tied to their divine ancestry. It weakened their morale compared to their Primal counterparts—Red, Blue, Green, and Brown Dragons - and this growing dissociation has led to a notable decline in the ability of Gold dragons to form bonds. But when a bond is forged between a Gold Dragon and their Seldorai (Dragon Rider), the human is more likely to awaken a divine signet closely related to the Gold Dragon's roots which are the magical elements of solar, light, and energy. Gold dragons choose their riders carefully, often selecting individuals who exhibit qualities of courage, justice, and a commitment to protecting others - no matter the cost.
MOST COMMON TRAITS:
BRAVE
JUST
PROTECTIVE
ARROGANT
BLUNT
RECKLESS
MOST COMMON POWERS:
Please note: these are just recommended powers. If you have more ideas, we're open for you to run it by us and add to the worlbuilding!
LIGHT MANIPULATION
DIVINE HEALING
ENERGY MANIPULATION
SOLAR MANIPULATION
COLOURS:
Please note: these are just recommended colours. If you have more ideas, we're open for you to run it by us and add to the worlbuilding!
Radiant Gold:
This is the classic and most common coloration for gold dragons. Their scales shimmer with a brilliant, radiant gold, reflecting the purity and intensity of the sun. This hue signifies a deep connection to the divine and the Goddess of the Righteous Sun.
Dawn Gold:
A softer shade of gold; with lighter scales that shimmer with the promise of dawn. Dragons with this coloration may possess a more diplomatic and refined demeanor, emphasizing their wisdom and the regal qualities that come with their divine role.
Amber Gold:
In certain individuals, the gold may lean more towards a fiery orange, reminiscent of the sun as it sets. Dragons with this hue might have an affinity for solar fire magic, combining the elements in a visually striking manner.
Bronze Gold:
While still within the golden spectrum, these dragons exhibit a lustrous bronze sheen, giving them a slightly earthier appearance. This coloration might symbolize a balance between the divine connections of gold dragons and the grounded nature of the earth.
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dragonwars · 5 months
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LORE PREVIEW: THE AETHERWALK (Inspired by Fourth Wing's parapet/gauntlet and the Wheel of Time's Aes Sedai Trials.)
Spanning the vertical expanse between the Ground City and the Middle Islands of the dragon rider's city of Ren Sáron is the majestic Aetherwalk, a challenging pathway that serves as both a bridge and a crucible for aspiring dragon riders. This remarkable structure tests the fortitude, balance, and grounding skills of initiates, determining their readiness for the profound responsibilities of dragon riding and if they are worthy to become a first year cadet.
The path to the Middle Islands is perilous, claiming the lives of many initiates. Some meet their end by plummeting from dizzying heights, while others succumb to the magical traps that line the route. Additionally, the journey is not without the danger of initiates turning on one another. The reasoning is perhaps cruel—fewer cadets increase the chances of successfully bonding with a dragon, rooted in the belief that only the strongest are worthy.
Any initiate who successfully navigates the Aetherwalk will earn the privilege to step onto the Middle Islands and become a first year cadet. This challenging gauntlet becomes a symbolic obstacle, ensuring that only the most deserving cadets progress to the specialized dragon rider training that awaits them in the celestial realm above.
The Challenges:
Mountain Climb: The journey begins with a series of steps carved into the rocky crevice of the mountainside that reaches upwards from the Ground City. These ethereal steps require physical endurance, balance, and mental fortitude, as the climb is gruelling and demanding. Eventually, the steps will lead away from the natural mountains and disappear through the clouds.
Aerial Walkways: As cadets ascend, the mountain climb leads to enchanted stairways that suspend through the clouds. These paths twist and turn, challenging the cadets' balance and demanding unwavering focus to navigate the shifting and undulating passages. It also requires a deep attunement to the magical currents that sustain Ren Sáron, as only cadets with a strong magical connection will be able to predict the magical traps that lay ahead.
Wind Tunnels: At certain intervals, the Atherwalk incorporates mystical wind tunnels that buffet cadets with gusts of magical wind. This tests their ability to maintain composure and control, emphasizing the mental and physical discipline necessary for the arduous journey.
Elemental Trials: The parapet incorporates elemental challenges, such as sections cloaked in illusions of fire or illusions of icy barriers. Cadets must discern reality from illusion, showcasing their mental acuity and adaptability.
Judgement Steps: The final leg of the Aetherwork introduces levitating platforms that respond to the thoughts and intentions of the cadets. This section tests not only their physical prowess but also their connection to the mystical forces that permeate the floating city - only cadets who *truly* have the willpower to succeed will be able to mentally channel their magical energy and force the levitating platforms to allow them to pass. Cadets who are unable to do this will have to risk it all by running and leaping from platform to platform… but they are known to fade away at a moment's notice if the city deems them unworthy.
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