The Aethyrian Elder Council
The Elder Council is a group of Aethyrian dragons who were at one time among the strongest of their 'element', well versed in history and fonts of knowledge. Due to their age, wisdom and power, the Elder Keepers serve as a guiding force of all Aethyr, as well as guardians of the Realm's bountiful lore. They watch the political meanderings of the Imperial Houses, teach dragons of their magic and their history, and are dedicated to the Realm's protection and prosperity. Imperial leaders and monarchs throughout Aethyr bow to their authority, and often seek their advice on matters of state. They are also the only power the Celestial Order will bow to in matters beyond religion. They reside in Aethyra, capital of the Heartlands, symbolizing their neutrality, as they are not part of any one Kingdom and do not fall into either the Aetherian or Netherian Alliances. You may find more information on their government here.
While the members of the Elder Council are never related, and do not form a noble family in truth, they are the highest ranking individuals and the most powerful form of leadership in Aethyr. Thus, they are comparable to a leading royal family in other Realms. They can be from a House and nobility themselves, or they can be unrelated to nobility and Houseless - it depends on their age, experience, and power over all. The Elder Council's knowledge and skill in their magic is their key to power.
The history of the Elder Council is a long one; many years ago, Aethyr was ruled by competing clans of dragons, torn by war and conquest between the various elements. Mistrust was at an all-time high, and the various factions had gone into a steep decline as violence mounted. Eventually, jaded by bloodshed and tired of war, leaders of these clans sent ambassadors to a secret summit in what would eventually be known as the Heartlands, to discuss pathways of peace. These ambassadors tended to be old and venerable, not only keep the integrity of the front lines, but because they were skilled and knowledgeable in a wide array of disciplines.
They were all tired of war. Through these elders, they came to a fragile agreement to work together, and began forging peace between the various clans and tribes, helping to solidify them into royalty - and, eventually, the Imperial Houses all Aethyrian dragons follow to this day.
It is to be noted that the Elder Keepers have two primary 'coat of arms'; one is the black, white and gold symbol of the Keepers themselves, and one they wear in all ceremonial garb. The other is the symbol of the Heartlands as a whole - white on a field of gold. Both symbols - the heart and diamond surrounded by all elements - are largely identical.
Traits do not count in this group, and this the members may look radically different from one another. Each Elder is called by the term Elder Keeper.
Elder Keeper: Seen to be the strongest and most knowledgeable Aethyrian dragon of their 'element'. Selected and trained by the Keeper before them as an apprentice, and well learned in politics, history, and culture. One of each element, fourteen in total: Aeria, Aquaria, Glacia, Ignia, Luxia, Natura, Voltia, Anima, Aurata, Chrona, Phobia, Sanguia, Toxina and Umbra.
Herald-Guardian: Often simply called 'Heralds', they are the protectors of the Elder Keepers; they guard and protect the Keepers themselves, assist Ambassadors and Apprentices, dedicating their lives to the guardianship of the Council and Aethyria. One Herald-Guardian per Elder Keeper, of the same element. Not allowed to have children during their tenor, and cannot remove themselves voluntarily - must be granted leave by their particular Keeper, though most do not serve more than a few hundred years if that.
Keeper's Apprentice: An older dragon taken by their Elder to be trained in the ways of the Keepers. Generally the Elders have only one, but may have two.
Keeper's Ambassador: Aethyrians - most often dragons, but sometimes of other races of Aethyr - who travel the Realm and bring tidings back to the Keepers of the goings-on in each elemental kingdom.
Advisors: Aethyrians (of any race, but most often young dragons, elves or one of Aethyr's smaller species, such as the vyrkin) who tend to the Elders and offer advice on current events. These range from servants to messengers to confidants, and despite the illusion of their low status, are generally treated similarly to those of noble Houses in high-class dragon families.
Elder Keepers
These dragons are all Elder Keepers on the Aethyrian Council. Ambassadors and Advisors are not listed, but Heralds and Apprentices may be named in their Keeper's bio.
Eyre is one of the youngest members of the Elder Keepers. She has a unique way of using her element; as she can't breathe her element but channels it through her limbs. Her signature elemental technique is gathering up the element power and shooting it out from her paws like a fist, similar to a peacock mantis shrimp. While her other nickname is Hurricane Punch. She has a distaste for glyph magic due to her past.
Her Herald is Borea (NPC) and her Apprentice is Enlil (NPC).
Calculating and deeply analytical, the Elder Keeper of Ignia, Medurálto of House Silvertongue, is known for being quite the contrast to her element. She often comes across to others as cold and aloof, despite possessing an extremely hot fire element, when in reality she's of a deeply rational and thorough sort, preferring to have made her decisions after giving it a very careful thinking over. This is largely due to her own philosophy that fire, while quite helpful in a wide variety of ways, is also extremely dangerous and can lead to extremely destructive results if not handled carefully, and for her to possess what many would consider a very dangerous element, she is always quick to caution, rather than rash action.
It is for this reason that she is also a very strong advocate for diplomacy rather than harsh action and violence, and believes that all sides of any discussion should be considered before any action or judgement should be levied. Once a decision is made, she is flexible enough to follow through with it, given that it is not one that will lead to widespread and unnecessary violence and destruction. Medurálto does not take her position lightly, knowing that thousands of lives will be affected by her choices keeps her grounded and open minded so she can better assist those under her charge.
Her Herald is a female named Tulaulu (NPC). She has not chosen an Apprentice yet.
A compassionate but pragmatic dragon, Viridatura proudly calls for that which will allow Aethyr as a whole to grow and flourish much like the plants her element connects her to. Her belief in honesty, fairness, and the avoidance of any unnecessary violence has a foundation set in stone, and these values guide her decisions on the Council.
She strongly believes that the world is going to change whether her fellow Elder Keepers wish it to or not, and that if they do not allow Aethyr to lean into that change, they will miss an opportunity that could be of great benefit to all. Viridatura places great honor in her position, and does all within her power to better the lives of Aethyrian dragons and non-dragons alike.
Her Herald is named Lathyra (NPC) and her Apprentice is Diospyros (NPC).
An old, retired general who led Imperial forces in the Netherian Alliance for many years against the forces of the Serpent, Spiritus is the focus of much controversy amid the Council and the Kingdoms alike. He belongs to the Imperial House of Anima and is continually ridiculed for his becoming a Keeper in the first place. However, few hold his level of knowledge - especially about the Serpent's Touch and its Corruption - or his experience with the Cult of Scales.
Known for his powerful purple Anima element and his experience in controlling forged golems and harvesting spiritual energy in battle, he has lost little of his abilities, though his magical prowess has waned in recent years. Since his election as a Keeper, his runic markings have begun to send off wisps and 'embers' of light, and it is thought he has the very beginnings of Element Bleed.
His Herald is an older male named Psychyr (NPC), and Apprentice a nervous younger female of four hundred years named Alma (NPC); both Anima dragons.
This character is an Official NPC. You may read about him on our official NPCs page! Being an official NPC, he may be used by members in any thread.
His Herald is a severe and stern male named Nymare (NPC), and his Apprentice is a younger female named Lull (NPC).
Please remember, the characters here are controlled by Plot Positions! Make sure you apply for that position first!
