In-Depth Information;

Appearance Aethyrian dragons are very similar to Felnovian western dragons in basic shape, and are often referred to as 'dragons' both within Aethyr and without. Sporting four limbs and a pair of wings, covered in scales with an assortment of features - such as horns, frills, manes, etc - shaped by their elemental alignment. They are smaller than true western dragons on average, and do not grow much beyond their averages due to their short lifespans.

Most Aethyrian dragons' wings are batlike, with three to five wing fingers, and either a thumb claw or growth upon the wing hand. Feathered wings are common to Aeria dragons, but can be found in any with this variant's heritage. Hybrid wings - consisting of both feathers and webbing - are uncommon, but may be found in various elemental mixes and are always attributed to Aeria blood.

The vast majority of Aethyrian dragons are born from one of the twelve primordial and two derivative 'elemental' affinities, sorted into thirteen elemental variants and one true-element subspecies. These are thought to be split by alignment to Aether or Nether, an Aethyr-unique division of pure light and dark reiatsu, one that affects all of this Realm's living things and much of its magic, culture and physicalities. These variants are Aeria (wind), Aquaria (water), Glacia (ice), Ignia (fire), Natura (earth), Voltia (lightning), Anima (soul), Aurata (metal), Phobia (fear), Sanguia (blood), Toxina (poison/venom), Umbra (shadow) and Chrona (time). Aethyrian dragons can only have one element, even if hybridization between the variants occurs. However there are cases in which a dragon is not connected to Aether/Nether, and thus are born elementless. These have no magically-aligned markings, but their features will reflect their parentage and the magical affinities found within.

An Aethyrian dragons' colors are first and foremost dictated by their elemental hue; all Aethyrian dragons host special elemental colors unlike true dragons or conventional magic. Base colors vary, but Aether dragons tend to be bright, where Nether dragons are much darker; for example, no purebred Aether dragon may sport black as a base color, and no purebred Nether dragon may sport anything close to white. While Aethyrian dragons tend to have common color sets found often in their variant, other colors can be found, and there are no restrictions on color groups or mixes. However, their element color must be found somewhere on their body, even if said color is very minimal.

Primordial; Aether: Aeria: western, 10ft (3m)
Wind-aligned Aethyrians. Aeria dragons are tall, elegant figures, often slender and graceful, and regal in appearance. Their scales are often very thin, and may naturally have scaleless hides or a coat of proto-feathers (though coats of complete fur or feathers are unheard of). They are the second tallest Aether breed, rivaling Natura for overall height. Common colors include blues, teals, whites, greys and silvers. Aeria markings tend towards natural or very abstract gusts of wind or swirls. Elementally-aligned features may include but are not limited to: feathered crests, whiskers, and feathered wings though the latter is exclusive in Aethyrian dragons to the purest Aeria lineages.

Primordial; Aether: Aquaria: western, 7ft (2.1m)
Water-aligned Aethyrians. Pure Aquaria dragons tend to be robustly built, especially those that dwell the deepest within the Starswept Oceans. However, those that dwell on the surface or in coastal regions tend to be slimmer and more slender than their deep-dwelling counterparts. Common colors include blues, purples, greens, greys and blacks. Markings commonly have natural or abstract flowing stripes, running water, waves, water surface, bubbles, ripples, etc. Elementally-aligned features may include but are not limited to: fins, sharp and even (dolphin-like) fangs, semi-transparent membranes, tendril-like whiskers, webbed feet, bioluminescence, and gills, though the latter is exclusive in Aethyrian dragons to the purest Aquaria lineages.

Primordial; Aether: Glacia: western, 9ft (2.7m)
Ice-aligned Aethyrians. Glacia dragons are large, sharp-edged and imposing, with strong builds and razor scales. Common colors include greys, silvers, whites, blues, teals and greens. Markings reflect natural or abstract ice and/or snow with swirls and soft/squiggly stripes for snow, diamonds/pointy crystalline markings or soft glacier patterns for ice. Elementally-aligned features include but are not limited to: ice accents/effect on horns, frills and spikes; sharp, jagged or bladed body parts and growths; and stiff fins and frills that resemble frozen fur.

Primordial; Aether: Ignia: western, 8ft (2.4m)
Fire-aligned Aethyrians. Ignia dragons are of average height, but have variable builds with an assortment of scale and hide types and body configurations. Common colors include reds, oranges, yellows, golds, purples, blacks and greys. Their markings range from natural to abstract shapes associated with fire and heat, embers, flames, lava, and sparks. Elementally-aligned features include but are not limited to: manes and ruffs of fur; wavy fins, frills and horns that resemble fiery shapes; a glowing core to their manes and fur of bioluminescence, to be turned on and off at will; and plate over the chest/glow underneath plates that resemble a furnace, though the latter two are exclusive in Aethyrian dragons to the purest of Ignia lineages.

Primordial; Aether: Natura: western, 11ft (3.3m)
Earth-aligned Aethyrians. Natura dragons have incredibly variable builds, though there are commonalities in the various types. Those that are hatched to earth families that specialize in the moving of rock and stone often have heavy builds and thick plated scales; plant and flora families are gracile and slender, sometimes described as willowy in appearance. Common colors include browns, tans, greys, blacks, greens and blues. Markings range from leaves, vines, flowers, branches, and rocks, sand, cracks, geodes, moss, etc, to sharper markings, shattered crystals, sharp lines, among others. Elementally-aligned features may include but are not limited to: wooden/leafy/rocky mimickry in their horns, fins, frills and other growths; tusks; heavy plates and armor; crystal growths somewhat similar to a gemdrake's, though the latter is exclusive to in Aethyrian dragons to the purest of Natura lineages and does not reflect a diet of eaten gemstones.

Primordial; Aether: Voltia: western, 9ft (2.7m)
Lightning-aligned Aethyrians. Generally of athletic and muscular builds, though individuals may lean either slender or heavy depending on family genetics and heritage. Common colors include greys, silvers, blacks, whites, blues, and yellows. Most have markings that resemble abstract or natural electricity/lightning with a mix of zig-zags, sharp points, curves, etc. Elementally-aligned features may include but are not limited to: sharp and jagged horns/spikes/frills, sharp physical features, and glowing vents between plates, or in front or between ribs, though the latter is exclusive in Aethyrian dragons to the purest of Voltia lineages.

Primordial; Nether: Anima: western, 8ft (2.4m)
Aethyrians with abilities aligned with the spirit, reiatsu, and necromancy. Etherial in nature, Anima dragons are of average height and various builds, though they tend to be more gracile and lean. They commonly have bright and bold coloration unlike most of their kind, and common colors include the entire spectrum. Their most remarkable feature are the glowing markings that resemble runes across their bodies, often on the face, neck, sides, tail, and wings (though they can be found in other places, such as the shoulders and legs more uncommonly). Magically-aligned features include but are not limited to: veil- or ribbon-like growths, bioluminescent markings, and naturally unique wing web shapes and patterns including false, ribbonlike 'fingers' mid-web, though the latter is exclusive in Aethyrian dragons to the purest of Anima lineages.

Primordial; Nether: Aurata: western, 11ft (3.3m)
Aethyrians with abilities aligned with the art of metal manipulation. Aurata dragons range widely in build, but tend to have broader wings and sharper claws than most other Aethyrian dragons. Common colors include metallic hues - such as golds, silvers, coppers, bronzes, etc. Their markings are similar to Voltia dragons, sharp-edged and jagged, though their shapes might be more geometric and artificial-looking, sometimes layered or bordered with other colors. The chromatic colors of their 'element' may be bold or subtle, but are rarely as metallic - instead, these markings may hold a sort of shimmer or iridescence not found in other Aethyrian dragons. Magically-aligned features may include but are not limited to: bladed horns, spikes and claws; sharp and angular builds; and natural-metal growths and features, though the latter is exclusive in Aethyrian dragons to the purest of Aurata lineages.

Primordial; Nether: Phobia: western, 12ft (3.6m)
Aethyrians with abilities aligned with sonic blasts, disorientation, and the inspiration of fear. Phobia dragons are lanky creatures with long legs, long necks and large wings, their features accenting often nightmarish appearances. Common colors include blacks, greys, reds, golds, greens and purples. Their markings are most commonly abstract shapes often similar to sound waves, fake eyes, skulls and bones, etc. Magically-aligned features may include but are not limited to: bone-like growths, heavily spiked accents, or a skull-shaped head, though the latter is exclusive in Aethyrian dragons to the purest of Phobia lineages.

Primordial; Nether: Sanguia: western, 7ft (2.1m)
Aethyrians with abilities aligned with blood, healing, and affinities commonly associated with vampirism. Sanguia dragons are smaller and more robustly built than many of their Nether cousins, often dark in appearance with thin scales and long talons. Common colors include blacks, reds, maroons, pinks and purples. Markings are similar to water in their portrayal of natural or abstract floating globs or running lines of blood, waves, ripples, etc. though thicker in comparison. Blood splatters, splotches, and drops are also common. Magically-aligned features may include but are not limited to: needle-like spikes, sharp horns, and naturally torn-appearing membranes and frills, though the latter two are exclusive in Aethyrian dragons to the purest of Sanguia lineages.

Primordial; Nether: Toxina: western, 7ft (2.1m)
Aethyrians with abilities aligned with poison, venom and toxins. Small as Sanguia dragons, Toxina are slender and thin, with angular features and lean, if muscular, builds. Common colors include blacks, greens, browns, oranges, reds and purples. Markings tend to be similar to natural or abstract thorny vines, reminiscent of poisonous plants or animals (such as poison dart frog patterns), blobs of poison, splashes of poison, etc. Magically-aligned features may include but are not limited to: poisonous spikes, thorny scales, venomous fangs, and thin spikes or scales they may fling as poisoned prjectiles, though the latter is exclusive in Aethyrian dragons to the purest of Toxina lineages.

Primordial; Nether: Umbra: western, 12ft (3.6m)
Aethyrians with abilities aligned with darkness and shadows. Umbra dragons are the tallest of Aethyrians, and generally are lean and sinewy in build, with thin scales and limited plating. Both sharp, angular profiles and smoother, sleeker builds are very common, where stocky and bulky purebred Umbrans are nearly unheard of. Markings are often natural or abstract silhouettes similar to wind or fire, with a smoky effect, often soft. Magically-aligned features may include but are not limited to: false-feathers, manes of fur (similar to Ignia, but more like bristles), sharp or bladed spikes or horns, and long trailing tendrils or leather-like feathers from wing web, frills, etc. However, the latter is exclusive in Aethyrian dragons to the purest of Umbra lineages.

Derivative; Neutral: Chrona: western, 9ft (2.7m)
Aethyrians with abilities aligned with aspects of time. These dragons vary in build but tend to be angular and sharply built, with soaring wings and bladelike features. Common colors include monochromatic hues (whites, greys, silvers and blacks) with minimal colorful accents if any. Their markings often resemble vortexes, swirls, and geometric patterns, though stripes and lines are also common. Magically-aligned features include but are not limited to: sharp, bladelike horns, claws and spines, translucent and glasslike or mistlike webbing, and growths that resemble small shiny orbs or swirling stone cabochons, though the latter is exclusive in Aethyrian dragons to the purest of Chrona lineages.

Culture Dragon society has long been split by element, and while the social order varies on each territory (detailed in the Realm information for Aethyr) there are some generalities. For centuries, dragons of different elements and alignments barely knew one another existed, and lived in tribes and clans scattered across their elemental region. They protected small territories, wary of one another, and fits of violence were common in territorial disputes.

As the dragons' numbers grew, and their civilization solidified, some clans grew more powerful and more prosperous than others, and these clans began to lord over others in their lands. They offered protection, education, and the promise of wealth in exchange for fealty. Numbers grew rapidly, and the most powerful families claimed the term 'Noble House' to describe themselves, which was eventually shortened to House which is the term used today. Houses are blood-ties: a (usually large) family of Aethyrian dragons in which they are all related by blood, and are run by an atriarch with the advice of the elders. Those with the greatest power were raised to lead, one to each elemental kingdom, and are thus known as the 'Imperial Houses'. These Imperials are, effectively, the royal class of Aethyr.

Aethyrian dragons tend to view themselves as the greatest, most gifted race on Aethyr, and the dragons of the Imperial Houses in particular tend to view the other races with a sense of Noblesse Oblige, and see it as the responsibility of the strong, obviously meaning themselves, to look after the weak, which they see as most everybody else. Exactly what form this guidance takes tends to vary between Imperial Houses. To avoid open, widespread conflicts, the Imperial Houses are governed by an unwritten code of behavior which guides how family rivalries and vendettas are to be carried out. From when and who politically motivated assassinations can target and who is strictly off limits, to when and where the Imperial Families can perform military strikes, as well as the number of dragons they may send on such maneuvers, are all silently but rigidly enforced. Rivalries are more often expressed through the numerous athletic contests that take place between Imperial Houses. Feats of strength, endurance, agility, and speed are frequent, and hotly contested, with any hint of foul play being greeted with scorn, since anything but a fair victory is seen as a sign of weakness. Such performances are one of the few ways dragons not otherwise affiliated with the Imperial Houses may win renown, if they can manage to secure sponsorship from one of the Imperial Houses.

Most commonly, the Imperial Houses send chosen representatives, called Electors, to meet every hundred years to elect a new Imperial Monarch from among eligible candidates (often within their own bloodline, if not out of several chosen Heirs), and oversee transfer of the crown from the former monarch to the new one. The Imperial Monarch ensures a sense of unity between the Imperial Houses, with exactly how much authority and influence they wield depending on the ruling individual, and whatever political alliances are in place at any given time. Former monarchs are very rarely elected once again, and some elements are more prone to this than others.

Among the Aethyrians, glyphwriting is seen as a superior form of magic to all other kinds, save for runelore, and for an Aethyrian to not be able to write working glyphs is seen as a disgrace. Many dragons practice a form of calligraphy using glyphs instead of letters, though such glyphs aren’t intended to actually be infused with magic.

Commoners of any element are often regarded with derision in large cities, but live traditional and normal lives outside of them, far from the constricting claws of the nobility. Dragons of a scholarly mind, regardless of class or noble/common blood, may still worship aspects of the sky and stars, remembering the celestial origins of their two gods. Thus, cosmic motifs are common in paintings, jewelry, designs, books and more, and any dragon displaying imagery that is similar to the sun, moon, stars or sky is often elevated much faster in their social rank than others, simply because of the 'celestial blessings' upon their scales. Among the lowborn, this is seen as fraud, and dragons with these markings are often warned to stay away from the poorer districts of cities lest they be attacked.

Cultural aspects that differ via variant can be found below.

Primordial; Aether: Aeria: Led by the wind-aligned Imperial House located within the Heavenly Spires, and found spread throughout that region.

Dragons of this element are known for their graceful, lofty architecture that tends to soar high above the ground, yet always in such a way to fit in with the natural world around it. Curving walls and stone walkways among the treetops are common sights. The dragons themselves have a tendency to be a bit haughty and self-important, and place a great importance on craftsmanship. Their artwork tends to look delicate, but in truth is deceptively strong.

Primordial; Aether: Aquaria: Led by the water-aligned Imperial House located in the Starswept Oceans, and found spread throughout that region.

Dragons of this element are known for building settlements by the sea, and in some cases upon it, preferring wooden buildings that are easily moved, or easily replaced if the sea gets restless. Settlements by the shore are often built so that the streets are dry at low tide, and partially submerged at high tide. The dragons themselves are relatively loosely bound together, though are extremely fierce and united when provoked. They love to craft works of art from things taken from the sea, and tend to enjoy lively music.

Primordial; Aether: Glacia: Led by the ice-aligned Imperial House located in Frostlorne, and found spread throughout that region.

Dragons of this element tend to disdain permanent settlements, save for a few widespread, austere palace-fortresses made of ice, often atop rocky crags. Such strongholds are often reserved for elders and hatchlings, though young dragons are expected to start learning to survive in the harsh, cold lands they call home from an early age, usually beginning when the young learn how to fly. They pride themselves on being strong, brave, and self-sufficient, preferring to make do with what’s provided by the natural world wherever possible.

Primordial; Aether: Ignia: Led by the fire-aligned Imperial House located in Vulcandaern, and found spread throughout that region.

Dragons of this element tend to employ many columns in their architecture, often carved from marble, with bright, terra cotta tiles for roofing. Such columns range from simple to ornate, with the fanciest boasting exquisite carvings. Their settlements are highly ordered, as is their society. Dragons are born into castes, and assigned to occupations allotted to said castes from an early age. These castes exist within a rigid social hierarchy, and moving between castes is extremely rare. The highest castes are regarded for their literary and scholarly accomplishments.

Primordial; Aether: Natura: Led by the earth-aligned Imperial House located in Vhirydea, and found spread throughout that region.

Dragons of this element tend to favor grand, stone-cut cities that feature temples and palaces that rise high above the surrounding forests. However, instead of clearing the forest away, they tend to replant it within their cities, with the larger temples and palaces being terraced so they can support grand gardens. They make heavy use of polished beads of crystal and stone, even as currency, and use intricate metalwork to embellish their cities. They tend to be highly spiritual, observing numerous rituals throughout the year, and place a heavy emphasis on athleticism.

Primordial; Aether: Voltia: Led by the lightning-aligned Imperial House located in the Ancestral Peaks, and found spread throughout that region.

Dragons of this element have similar architectural leanings as dragons of Ignia, with marble columns being prevalent. However, Voltia dragons prefer a more austere style, and go without many of the luxurious trappings common among Ignia dragons. They have a distinct blood-red dye often found in their terra cotta and fabrics, rumored to be made from actual blood, and they have a similar caste system as the Ignia, though not so rigid. They place a heavy emphasis on military discipline and skill at arms, and all dragons of the military caste receive demanding, often brutal training.

Primordial; Nether: Anima: Led by the spirit-aligned Imperial House located in the Eidolan Highlands, and found spread throughout that region.

Dragons of this 'element' tend to dwell in elegantly carved wooden castles at the center of imposing hillforts. They tend to adorn themselves and their dwellings with bright, vibrantly colorful works of art, and often engage in fests of strength and skill, both in competition, and just for the enjoyment of it. However, while they won’t outright lie, they are prone to deception, and beneath the surface covering of bravado and artistry lies an untamed ferocity they haven’t completely succeeded in overcoming, a ferocity only seldom unleashed.

Primordial; Nether: Aurata: Led by the metal-aligned Imperial House located in the Suntouched Sands, and found spread throughout that region.

Dragons of this 'element' are proud and lively, with a never-ending supply of self confidence. Often strong minded and gifted with vigorous personalities, they are highly intellectual and very quick to take advantage of any chance life throws at them. They tend to dwell within grand stone cities, set in place without regard for the land around them, and of all Aethyrian dragons they are most prone to alter the lay of the land to suit their needs, instead of working with the land to build.

Primordial; Nether: Phobia: Led by the fear-aligned Imperial House located in the Metusian Heights, and found spread throughout that region.

Dragons of this 'element' tend to construct foreboding, towering, dark cities with prevalent Gothic architecture abounding. There are always parts of their cities that lie in deep shadow, and the shadows hide some of the shadier happenings among their society. They are rigidly divided into castes, and the ruling caste keeps a hidden but unbreakable grip on the lower castes. While they don’t outwardly acknowledge it, they don’t go against it either, since dissenting voices tend to be abruptly silenced when their owners vanish. As a result, Phobia’s artists tend towards grim humor, performances that lean towards tragedy, and a resilient spirit that endures regardless of hardship.

Primordial; Nether: Sanguia: Led by the blood-aligned Imperial House located in the Sundered Coastlands, and found spread throughout that region.

Aethyrian dragonkind was quick to fear these dragons as much as their other dark cousins, due to seeing them as vampiric beasts that could quickly take your life without your notice or weaken you to death. Although not that far from the truth, as these are their hunting techniques, Sanguia dragons respect other beings for the most part, and wouldn't usually manipulate their element without strong reasons.

Society learnt to accept them however during the war, as they made superb healers, thanks to their innate talent in blood manipulation.

They tend to prefer to dwell in cities made of solid stone with Gothic architecture, though they carefully plan their city layouts to avoid the heavy shadows that tend to cloak Phobia cities, managing to create cities that are outwardly foreboding, but grand and open inside.

Primordial; Nether: Toxina: Led by the poison-aligned Imperial House located in the Abyssal Boglands, and found spread throughout that region.

Dragons of this 'element' dwell with hidden cities that are carefully concealed beneath trees and plants of their swampy homes. The moss-covered stones are carved in such a way that they lack straight edges and sharp corners, and are covered with abundant plant growth. Within, out of sight of prying eyes, the chambers and passageways are decorated with subdued but beautiful paintings and carvings. They tend to be very secretive, and outsiders are only invited to enter their hidden cities on very rare occasions.

Primordial; Nether: Umbra: Led by the shadow-aligned Imperial House located in the Darkreach Mountains, and found spread throughout that region.

Dragons of this element tend to dwell in opulent, grandiose dwellings that are utilitarian in layout, though richly decorated. They tend to view themselves as superior to other Aethyrian dragons, and are strictly governed by an authoritarian Imperial Family. They maintain a long tradition of artistry and ritual, and they place a heavy emphasis on military discipline. They tend to keep to themselves, and expect to be left to their own devices. Should any hint of a suggestion that they could stand to make changes to their way of life be detected, they tend to react with immediate, severe anger.

Derivative; Neutral: Chrona: Led by the time-aligned Imperial House located in the Moonlands, and found spread throughout that region.

Dragons of this element tend to dwell in settlements that look more like grand, crystalline towers instead of more traditional cities. These city-spires tend to reflect the sky, which can make them difficult to make out at times, especially from a distance. Chrona dragons are politely isolationist, and only rarely respond to diplomatic or even Imperial overtures. When they do, such interactions are usually short, and often enigmatic on the Chrona side. They simply wish to be left to their records and studies.

Abilities Aethyrian dragons are possessed of several different magical affinities, known as 'elements' (regardless of whether or not they are true elemental magics; see Notes). Each 'element' is a magical affinity split between Aether and Nether (save for Chrona and Gravitia, considered 'neutral' or a combination), capable of displaying a wide array of colors. This is thought to be an Aethyr-unique version of 'reiatsu-staining' of an element, though the color of such is commonly separate from a dragon's proper aura color. For example, Ignia dragons may breathe fire that is purple, blue, white, pink, or any other hue; in similar fashion, Aeria dragons may have color-tinted streaks in their elemental magic, where manipulation-based elements such as Aurata (metal) and Natura (earth) will have visible auras of color around the material they are manipulating. Each individual may only have a single element, and no more.

'Magic' as it is known in Aethyr is a neutral manifestation of Aether and Nether energy - elsewhere, this is equivalent to reiatsu in all ways save name, and is identical to glyphwriting in casting intent and spell production. When this energy is used, It appears as a soft glow often displaying the color of the magic caster's aura, as they trace the glyphs necessary for the spell while maintaining their intent clear in their mind. These may range from light sources to healing spells, magical locks, enchanting, illusions and more.

However, the Aethyrian elements are by far the most common attribute of these dragons, and their variant attributes and colors are listed below.

Primordial; Aether: Aeria: Born from Aether, Aeria is the element of wind. It can be both utilized as a breath weapon and manipulated from existing sources, or created upon command.

Aeria dragons use wind and air in varying degrees; it is a true element found everywhere, and thus it is one of the elements that is discovered and utilized by dragonets fairly young. Depending on age and skill level, these wind dragons may breathe it as strong currents of air or manipulate it around themselves, ranging from small gusts to brief but powerful windstorms. Energy drain when using Aeria is minimal except at the strongest uses of its magical intensity.

Their element, albeit naturally invisible, displays a color given its Aether-touched nature. The chromatic spectrum is the most common 'color' for wind, and displays strong and bright colors: reds (all hues from yellows and oranges to reds), green (all hues from lime to green and teal) and blue (all hues from cyan to blue and purple). Multicolor is possible where the element is two or more colors while pure white (limited to the purest of Aeria lineages) and black (dark blood mixing via Nether elements) are extremely rare.

Physically, Aeria dragons are fast and accurate in their strikes, but are not often strong in body. They are known to have the most fragile bones and lightest weights of all Aethyrian dragons.

Primordial; Aether: Aquaria: Born from Aether, Aquaria is the element of water. It can be both utilized as a breath weapon and manipulated from existing sources, or created upon command.

Aquaria dragons are unique in that the creation of their element - utilizing it as a create 'breath weapon' - is something most dragons learn later in their elemental studies. To do so draws a considerable amount of energy, and the summoned water cannot be drunk and does not persist once that energy is spent. Thus, manipulation of their element is paramount, and learned relatively early on. Unlike other Aethyrian dragons, Aquaria-aligned individuals may naturally breathe underwater, either through physical gills (purebred Aquarians only) or taught through utilization of their element.

Their element, naturally clear or blue, displays a color given its Aether-touched nature. The chromatic spectrum is the most common 'color' for water, and displays a wide array of colors: reds (all hues from yellows and oranges to reds), green (all hues from lime to green and teal) and blue (all hues from cyan to blue and purple) with blues, teals and greens being most common. Multicolor is possible where the element is two or more colors while pure white (limited to the purest of Aquaria lineages) and black (dark blood mixing via Nether elements) are extremely rare.

Physically, Aquaria dragons are robust and strong, and can move with ease on both land and in water. Beneath the waves, they are much faster than any other elemental dragon, and can remain underwater indefinitely.

Primordial; Aether: Glacia: Born from Aether, Glacia is the element of ice. It can be both utilized as a breath weapon and manipulated from existing sources, or created upon command.

Glacia dragons are capable of utilizing their element as a breath weapon from a very early age, often beginning as a faint breath of cold mist that grows stronger as the Aethyrian ages. Most are capable of not only summoning their element as colorful bursts of ice-mist in adolescence, but also manipulating existing sources of ice and snow in colder environments. More experienced Glacians are able to coat claws, scales, horns, etc in their Aether-touched ice as armor or weapons, though doing so with existing sources is more difficult and thought to be brittle despite its more permanent nature. Summoned ice will disappear soon after it is breathed or manipulated into existence, unless further sustained by an energy source.

Their element, naturally colorless or icy whites and blues, displays a color given its Aether-touched nature. The chromatic spectrum is the most common 'color' for ice, and displays off-whites, light blues and pinks most commonly; other hues fall into the usual categories: reds (all hues from deep goldens and oranges to reds), green (all hues from lime to green and teal) and blue (all hues from cyan to blue and purple). Multicolor is possible where the element is two or more colors while pure white (limited to the purest of Glacia lineages) and black (dark blood mixing via Nether elements) are extremely rare.

Physically, Glacia dragons are usually quite strong, but slower both in the air and on the ground than most of their kind.

Primordial; Aether: Ignia: Born from Aether, Ignia is the element of fire. It can be both utilized as a breath weapon and manipulated from existing sources, or created upon command.

Ignia dragons are some of the earliest to use their element, able to spit sparks and blow smoke as early as the point when they open their eyes. Adolescent and adult Ignians are capable of breathing streams of flame from their maw, or manipulating existing sources, while experienced Aethyrians can create fire without a source around their bodies without having to use their breath weapon. The strongest Ignia dragons are capable of summoning literal firestorms for brief periods of time, though this depends on individual skill and energy, with none able to maintain it for long.

Their element, naturally orange, red and yellow, displays unusual colors given its Aether-touched nature. The chromatic spectrum is the most common 'color' for fire, and displays a great variety of bright colors: reds (all hues from yellows and oranges to reds), green (all hues from lime to green and teal) and blue (all hues from cyan to blue and purple) though cool colors are much rarer. Multicolor is possible where the element is two or more colors while pure white (limited to the purest of Ignia lineages) and black (dark blood mixing via Nether elements) are extremely rare.

Physically, Ignia dragons are strong and fit, fast both in the air and on the ground. However, purebred Ignians are terrible swimmers, and often flounder.

Primordial; Aether: Natura: Born from Aether, Natura is the element of earth. It can only be manipulated from existing sources, and only rarely be summoned into being at will.

Considered one of the most powerful and useful of manipulated elements, Natura dragons harness the power of earth in a variety of ways. Some dragons specialize in rock, stone and crystal, manipulating inert natural materials, others may find purchase in the manipulation of living flora such as grass, trees, flowers, vines, etc. Summoning materials from thought alone is a very energy-intensive process, and is almost never attempted especially when manipulating materials that do not grow.

Their element, which normally cannot be classified by color due to its physical nature, displays a soft color glow given its Aether-touched affinities, seen only around the materials being manipulated. The chromatic spectrum is the most common 'color' for earth's aura-glow, and displays a great variety of hues:: reds (all hues from yellows and oranges to reds), green (all hues from lime to green and teal) and blue (all hues from cyan to blue and purple). Multicolor is possible where the element is two or more colors (associated with type mixing) while pure white (limited to the purest of Natura lineages) and black (dark blood mixing via Nether elements) are extremely rare.

Physically, Natura dragons are the strongest in body and are often heavily muscled and covered in thick plates - especially in Aethyrians of stone-aligned lineages. However, those that specialize in flora may be much leaner, but faster both in the air and on land.

Primordial; Aether: Voltia: Born from Aether, Voltia is the element of lightning. It can be both utilized as a breath weapon and manipulated from existing sources, or created upon command.

An energy-intensive element, Voltia dragons are some of the elementally strongest of Aethyrians, and can summon lightning and electricity of varying strengths and ranges from middle hatchlinghood well into their elder years. Most can shoot lightning with ease as a breath weapon only limited by individual strength, but more advanced uses include utilizing electricity around them, summoning it from claws/horns/scales/etc, and - at strongest - storm manipulation.

Their element, naturally incandescent blue-white, displays a color given its Aether-touched nature. The chromatic spectrum is the most common 'color' for lightning, and displays bold and bright colors: reds (all hues from yellows and oranges to reds), green (all hues from lime to green and teal) and blue (all hues from cyan to blue and purple). Multicolor is possible where the element is two or more colors while pure white (limited to the purest of _ lineages) and black (dark blood mixing via Nether elements, extremely frowned upon) are extremely rare.

Physically, Voltia dragons range from heavily muscular to lean and whiplike, and are both strong and fast on land and in the sky. However, they cannot swim well, and should a Voltia dragon specialize in speed they may not have high defensive capabilities (and vice versa).

Primordial; Nether: Anima: Born from Nether, Anima is the 'element' of soul. It can be both utilized as a breath weapon and manipulated from existing sources, or created upon command.

Spiritual energy is reiatsu, the spiritual aura all things in every Realm hold. Similarly to how those in other worlds may utilize this essence in its purest form, Anima dragons may tap into it in unique ways, though because it is so misunderstood in Aethyr, it is not trusted by most other dragons regardless of elemental alignment. Most are capable of using their own aura much like common races do, in a pure-energy form, even from the earliest days after their magical awakening. As a 'breath weapon' it is appears most similarly to streams of fire with sparkling runelike shapes within it, attributed to its unique Aethyrian nature. However, manipulating it around their bodies is something that comes to Anima dragons with ease, and holds a similar appearance.

An Anima dragon's reiatsu may 'burn' both physically and spiritually, be crafted into pure-energy shields or semi-stable energy constructs, be utilized into non-light healing, and more. Anima dragons are not only very capable with their reiatsu, able to manipulate it both offensively and defensively, but they are also incredibly strong glyphwriters - magic users by Aethyrian standards. They are also known for their knowledge of Soulgems and the ability to create golems, though this art is seen with distrust even by other Nether dragons. They are also attributed with the advent of energy-storing gems in Aethyr, though this practice is widely used in other Realms.

This 'element' can come in any color, due to it being naturally tied to their spirit's unique colors. These can be monochrome or multicolored, with unusual combinations and gradients, and will always match their 'magic' (aura) exactly. However, unlike conventional reiatsu, the birth-colors of this magic cannot change due to life events, and carry the same colors through their lives until death. White and black Anima element colors are unique both in the Realms at large and Aethyr itself; white is often flecked in black, and black flecked in white, regardless of elemental purity or heritage. White-element Anima dragons are thought to be 'tainted' by their Nether cousins by Aether blood, and and black-element dragons hold the purest of Anima lineages.

Physically, Anima dragons are average in strength and speed, but may be hindered in the air due to their trailing adornments and unusual wings.

Primordial; Nether: Aurata: Born from Nether, Aurata is the 'element' of metal. It is unable to be breathed and can only be utilized via manipulation, from existing sources outside of the dragon itself.

Aurata dragons manipulate the metal in the world with great ease, as one would shape clay, and with the help of a heat source they can manipulate it in liquid form as well, making the possibilities near-endless. However, the manipulation of metal is an inherently difficult form of magic, and takes a great deal of energy - the larger the supply of metal being utilized and the density of the alloy take greater amounts of power, and may exhaust younger and less experienced dragons much faster than their elders. The finesse of how these metals are shaped also costs concentration and energy, especially keeping alloys pure or crafting distinct items. Some Aurata dragons specialize in certain alloys they find easier to manipulate than others, though training is usually generalized and any metal can be used to certain degrees.

They are able to manipulate it into armor and weapons, or even projectiles at higher masteries. Most are capable of pulling existing pure alloys and shapelessly using them with relative ease, by way of levitation or crude but brief shaping. Anything that takes finesse is often approached by older dragons with higher levels of experience, and thus true smithing is a field dominated by those who have worked with their elements for many years.

Their 'element', which normally cannot be classified by color due to its physical nature, displays a soft color glow given its Nether-touched affinities, seen only around the metals being manipulated. Most metal glows with chromatic colors: reds (all hues from yellows and oranges to reds), green (all hues from lime to green and teal) and blue (all hues from cyan to blue and purple). Multicolor is possible where the element is two or more colors while pure white (very rare, attributed to light blood mixing due to Aether impurities) and black (limited to the purest of Aurata lineages) are extremely rare.

Physically, Aurata dragons are strong but somewhat average in speed; they are capable fliers and swimmers, but tend to tire somewhat quickly. Their scales, scutes and plates, however, are known to have a higher density and durability, more resistant to most physical attacks.

Primordial; Nether: Phobia: Born from Nether, Phobia is the 'element' of sonic-based fear. It can only be utilized as a breath weapon, as no sources exist to pull from.

Phobia is a unique element considered by most to be a combination of emotional influence - similar to an empath - and sonic waves that carry this empathic sway in a more directed way. Thus, the energized soundwaves are often vibrantly colored with the unique hues Aethyrian dragons are known for. Their emotional control can and will bridge the entire spectrum, though 'good' emotions are very difficult to harness, and - utilizing their physical appearances to help - bad emotions, such as fear, comes the easiest to channel. These shockwaves may be compared to a shriekan's shriek, or a sarka's scream, and scholars believe they have a similar effect on one's body when utilized by old and experienced Phobia dragons. The most skilled of these may manipulate emotions without the breathed soundwaves, though this is immensely more taxing.

Their 'element', naturally colorless and immaterial, displays unusual colors given its Nether-touched nature. The chromatic spectrum is the most common 'color' for fear, and displays a great variety of bright colors: reds (all hues from yellows and oranges to reds), green (all hues from lime to green and teal) and blue (all hues from cyan to blue and purple) though cool colors are much rarer. Multicolor is possible where the element is two or more colors while pure white (very rare, and attributed to light blood mixing through Aether elements) and black (limited to the purest of Phobia lineages) are extremely rare.

Physically, Phobia dragons are startlingly fast - even faster on land than Aeria dragons, who are known for their speed. Their movement has been called uncanny, snakelike, and unusual even among Nether dragons. However, they have little physical stamina or much in the way of scale or scute protection, and physical damage can be devastating if they can't dodge out of the way in time.

Primordial; Nether: Sanguia: Born from Nether, Sanguia is the 'element' of blood. It can only be manipulated from existing sources, and is never breathed.

Sanguia dragons are unique in that they have an 'element' that is quite similar to water, but are unable to summon it into being as Aquaria dragons do; they are only capable of manipulating the blood available to them, either in their own bodies or in that of other beings. Often, a Sanguia dragon who needs to use their element offensively may slice into their forelegs, neck, tail or flanks, drawing on either these new and shallow injuries or existing wounds to use their blood to form whips, blades, streams or other similar attacks. Sanguian blood regenerates at an increased rate compared to all other Aethyrians, and thus they are able to use their blood and lose a lot more than others. If the blood remains pure, they are able to reabsorb it back into their bodies, though this is somewhat dangerous especially for younger and more inexperienced dragons. Blood from others may also be manipulated as long as the body they pull from is alive or very recently dead (the blood must still have life-warmth, else it loses the ability to be manipulated).

Unusually, Sanguia dragons make excellent healers, especially in the detection, treatment and eradication of poisons, diseases and other blood-borne illnesses. Sealing and purifying wounds is something many healers learn later in their lives, and none are capable of completely healing a wound as light mages might; they are also restricted to flesh and blood, thus broken bones and torn scales are much more difficult for them to manipulate.

Their 'element', naturally scarlet, displays unusual colors given its Nether-touched nature - and unusually, their blood reflects this color in full. Blood manipulated from others will always be that individual's blood color, but any they utilize from themselves displays the following. The chromatic spectrum is the most common 'color' for blood, and displays a great variety of bright colors: reds (all hues from yellows and oranges to reds), green (all hues from lime to green and teal) and blue (all hues from cyan to blue and purple) though cool colors are much rarer. Multicolor is possible where the element is two or more colors, as well as transparent or translucent, while pure white (very rare, and attributed to light blood mixing through Aether elements) and black (limited to the purest of Sanguia lineages) are extremely rare.

Physically, Sanguia dragons are robust and strong, with capable bodies and athletic builds. They are average in speed and overall strength, but are very resilient, and have a strong resistance to illnesses and disease.

Primordial; Nether: Toxina: Born from Nether, Toxina is the element of poison and venom. It can be both utilized as a breath weapon and manipulated from existing sources, or created upon command.

Toxina dragons generally split their abilities into thirds; a toxic or venomous bite; poisonous blood; and the breathing of toxic gas in the color of their element. Unlike other Aethyrian dragons, part of this is biological in origin, though it springs from Aethyr's unique magical nature as other elements do. Biologically, their blood, saliva and flesh are all mildly poisonous, and depending on how much is contacted or consumed, may make any individual ill (fatal doses are very, very rare). Magically, they are able to breathe toxic gas or summon it around their bodies, with the strength, amount and effect the gas has varying widely based on skill, age, and individuality. Lastly, as a combination of both, most Toxina dragons have venomous fangs and sometimes spikes that they may use to inflict their toxins into an opponent and rarely shoot streams of venom from, though the latter is quite rare.

Their 'element', naturally translucent or dependent on ingredients, displays unusual colors given its Nether-touched nature. The chromatic spectrum is the most common 'color' for their poison, and displays a great variety of bright colors: reds (all hues from yellows and oranges to reds), green (all hues from lime to green and teal) and blue (all hues from cyan to blue and purple) though cool colors are much rarer. Multicolor is possible where the element is two or more colors, as well as transparent or translucent, while pure white (very rare, and attributed to light blood mixing through Aether elements) and black (limited to the purest of Toxina lineages) are extremely rare.

Physically, Toxina dragons are average in physical strength and are quite quick on land, though flight agility is somewhat below average. However, these dragons are particularly good in the water, and may take advantage of their swamps to hide in the dark waters to attack unsuspecting prey.

Primordial; Nether: Umbra: Born from Nether, Umbra is the element of shadow. It can be both utilized as a breath weapon and manipulated from existing sources, or created upon command.

Umbra dragons harness the element of darkness, and can breathe and manipulate it from a young age. Most Umbra breath acts similarly to black fire or dark smoke, and has a disorienting and blinding effect on those caught within it, especially at weaker skill levels. At stronger levels, darkness can have a physical degredation effect that burns eyes and mouths, stings skin and unprotected places of smaller races, and suffocates, blinds and deafens the victim it's been inflicted upon. Umbra Aethyrians may also use shadows to 'jump' through if old and skilled enough, or to conceal themselves in, blending with existing darkness or deepening the shadows around them to pitch black. The most skilled may shift entirely into their dark element, becoming ethereal for a very, very short period of time.

Shadow constructs are something that very skilled dragons may learn to create. Much like Anima dragons or those elemental magics of light and darkness in other races, they are able to bend their energies around their element and give it physical form for a limited time, shaped only by the mind and the extent of their magical reserves. Most often, this results in small, battle-geared items such as blades, shielding, or thrown items; but these can also be utilized for temporary decorative purposes, such as a shadowy flower or animated sculpture of darkness.

Their element is unique in that it is always a dark color; its base will always be a very dark color, most commonly black, with its core displaying unusual colors given its Nether-touched nature. The chromatic spectrum is the most common 'color' for the center of their element and displays a great variety of bright colors: reds (all hues from yellows and oranges to reds), green (all hues from lime to green and teal) and blue (all hues from cyan to blue and purple) though cool colors are much rarer. Bright-based with bright-core shadow magics are a sign of Aether impurity. Multicolor is possible where the element is two or more colors, though the main color will always be dark, while pure white or black and white (very rare, and attributed to light blood mixing through Aether elements) and black (limited to the purest of Umbra lineages) are extremely rare.

Physically, Umbra dragons are somewhat below average in physical strength and endurance, though are somewhat fast and very strong in the air. Their defenses are moderate, but their ability to move through shadows gives them a distinct advantage in any altercation.

Derivative; Neutral: Chrona: Derived from both Aether and Nether, Chrona is the 'element' of time. It is unable to be breathed and can only be manipulated, as time is inherently a fickle magic.

Considered to be one of the most difficult abilities to use even in other Realms, Aethyr's variation is similarly restrictive, and can just as soon backlash against the user or overtax their pools of energy as be sustained for any amount of time, depending on age and experience. Chrona is utilized by Aethyrian dragons as a stream of colored magic that may be used in one of three ways - to create a 'bubble' of slowed or (in rare cases) stopped time; to briefly slow the aging of an item or individual; or, at the highest masteries, to briefly quicken aging of an item or individual. Most often, this magic is seen as a bright and resonating light that seems to fracture and pull at its surroundings in unusual ways.

Their 'element', naturally colorless and ethereal, displays unusual colors given its Nether-touched nature. The chromatic spectrum is the most common 'color' for time, and displays a great variety of bright colors: reds (all hues from yellows and oranges to reds), green (all hues from lime to green and teal) and blue (all hues from cyan to blue and purple) though cool colors are much rarer. Multicolor is possible where the element is two or more colors while pure white and pure black are extremely rare, and attributed to breeding with pure-lineage Nether or Aether dragons that have black or white elements.

subspecies

Aethyrian Drake
Classification: naturally wingless Aethyrian dragon. Location: abroad in Aethyr, in tribes or clans spread across the continents.

Aethyrian drakes are dragons born naturally without wings, on four legs, crafted from residual Aether and Nether magics once the gods were done creating the first Aethyrians. Very closely related to true Aethyrian dragons, they are capable of utilizing all Aether and Nether 'elements', and share many commonalities with their brethren such as elemental features, colors and magics. However, they are only able to manipulate these from energy and the world around them, and are incapable of summoning their magic as a breath weapon in any degree.

The magic colors are virtually the same as their dragon counterparts. All Aethyrian drakes have elemental markings and attributes that show what magic they control, and are similarly limited to a single power. Generally, their magical affinity will be lower in base power than true Aethyrian westerns, but gifted individuals who train dedicatedly may match or exceed their cousins' strength.

Hybrids between subspecies and the main species are very rare, and eggs will most often be infertile. However, those that are born may have altered wing or limb anatomy, weaker elemental control, but larger sizes than both parents by some degree. These hybrids are absolutely infertile, and cannot create a viable egg without magical aid.

Aethyrian Wyvern
Classification: naturally four-limbed (two legs, two wings) Aethyrian dragon. Location: abroad in Aethyr, in tribes or clans spread across the continents.

Aethyrian wyverns are dragons born naturally with only a single pair of limbs and a pair of wings, crafted from residual Aether and Nether magics once the gods were done creating the first Aethyrians. Very closely related to true Aethyrian dragons, they are capable of utilizing all Aether and Nether 'elements', and share many commonalities with their brethren such as elemental features, colors and magics. However, they are only able to breathe these, and are incapable of summoning their magic to manipulate it in any degree. This makes manipulation-focused magics, such as earth, quite rare.

The magic colors are virtually the same as their dragon counterparts. All Aethyrian wyverns have elemental markings and attributes that show what magic they control, and are similarly limited to a single power. Generally, their magical affinity will be lower in base power than true Aethyrian westerns, but gifted individuals who train dedicatedly may match or exceed their cousins' strength.

Hybrids between subspecies and the main species are very rare, and eggs will most often be infertile. However, those that are born may have altered wing or limb anatomy, weaker elemental control, but larger sizes than both parents by some degree. These hybrids are absolutely infertile, and cannot create a viable egg without magical aid.

Gravitia Eastern
Classification: eastern-bodied Aethyrian dragon. Location: Jadre Innkuzan, Aethyr.

The Gravitia eastern is a unique Aethyrian dragon breed that originated with a large group of elementless Aethyrian drakes, evolving steadily in the Jadre Innkuzan for thousands of years. Despite their non-elemental origins, they have been infused with the magic of gravity - an 'element' that was born from a mixture of neutral Aether and Nether. They are eastern in build instead of western, with wingless frames, long bodies and short legs, evolution that originally helped them survive the dangerous mountains of their home. They may be covered in either scales or fur, while manes, whiskers and ears are common. However, traditional eastern antlers and tusks are much more uncommon, and are generally thought of to be individual-family based rather than a subspecies-wide trait. Gravitia dragons can be of any color with most marking shapes common, though their scales and fur tend to be more muted and monochromatic (often compared to the pelts of forestwolves) than the vibrant hues of other eastern-dragon adjacent races.

All Gravitia easterns have a ribbonlike stripe of color stretching down their bodies, beginning on their shoulders and extending down their sides. These will match the color of their 'element', can come in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes, but will always match their magic's color. These colors are red-chromatic (all hues from yellow, orange and red), green-chromatic (all hues from lime, green and teal), blue-chromatic (all hues from cyan, blue and purple), multicolor (two-colored), monochrome (white) or monochrome (black). White and black are particularly rare, with white coming from mixing with other Aether-blooded Aethyrians with white elements and black from mixing with other Nether-blooded Aethyrians with black elements, much like Chrona hybrids. This magic is unique, and allows them to fly without wings similarly to the eastern dragons of other Realms, despite being unrelated, and similar due only to convergent evolution. With practice, Gravitia dragons can impose their magic on items and individuals around them, making them levitate with ribbons of color surrounding them. This is often used offensively to throw objects or keep attackers away, though this varies from individual to individual.

Dragons of this 'element' live in highly ornate wooden buildings that seem to be more gardens with cities built around them than cities with gardens within them. Everything follows the lay of the land, often guided by a dragon who may harmonize with the echoes of Aether and Nether, finding places of balance between them. Gravitia dragons hold themselves to a strict code of honor, and engage in many rituals throughout the year. Even diplomacy is governed heavily by ritual, as are the colors of whatever adornments they may make use of. The greater majority of Gravitia dragons live in Jadre Innkuzan.